Salford call off Wakefield game over welfare concerns

Salford's Super League game against Wakefield on Sunday has been called off because of "significant" welfare concerns after discussions with the Rugby Football League.

The troubled Red Devils have "reluctantly" decided to cancel the game after being beaten 80-6 at Hull FC in a game where five players made their debuts for the club.

With most of the team's senior professionals leaving this season because of their financial issues, Salford have had to rely on loanees from other Super League teams.

A club statement said that of the 17 players available for Sunday's game, only two had appeared at Super League level in the past 12 months.

The RFL board will now decide on the outcome of the fixture next week.

Salford are bottom of the top flight with 19 defeats from their 21 matches this season.

Their owners released a statement on Monday to say the club would not be closing despite their money problems.

The club said they have 11 players unavailable through injury and "a number" are expected to be fit for their next fixture against Leigh, scheduled for Friday, 22 August.