LEEDS star Stevie Ward says a game-wide debrief – including players – is needed after a double round of matches over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Speaking at Halton Stadium after the 28-20 loss to Widnes, the 23-year-old said he’d happily be the one to “open up a discussion” about the schedule, a result of the abortive England pre-season training camp in Dubai.
“I’m exhausted,” Ward told the Rhinos Youtube channel. “There needs to be a discussion amongst players now, in the aftermath, straight after these fixtures, (about) what’s going on here.
“We’re playing Friday night, Monday and it’s rugby league. It’s a tough sport. I’d love to open up a discussion across the field and all parts of the game – what we actually think about it and what effects it’s actually having on us at the back end of the year and seeing what it’s like then.
“…and see how the players feel then because I came out there that second half and – it’s the same for Widnes players, it’s not just ’cause we lost – there were some exhausted boys there.”
Hull’s Mark Minichiello earlier slated officials for scheduling another double-round weekend, saying it was proof they didn’t care about players.
Ward continued:Â “To tell you the truth, I struggled. I were tired, especially after the game on Friday. It’s a lot to ask.
“I think it’s only right, to be fair. It’s only right to open it up to everyone and see what everyone thinks. Otherwise, it’s just going down the same path. We’re going out and putting on the hits and taking the hits.
“I think it’s worth discussing.”
