Tradegy causes postponement

Wakefield's engage Super League match against Celtic Crusaders on Sunday evening was postponed following the death of one of their reserve players.

Leon Walker, 21, who was in his first season with Wakefield, is thought to have suffered a heart attack during the Wildcats reserves' match against their Crusaders counterparts at Maesteg on Sunday afternoon.

Eye witnesses reported the player going awkwardly into a tackle, getting to his feet and playing the ball before then collapsing.

Attempts were made on the field to revive him and the match was abandoned after 63 minutes while he was airlifted to the Morriston Hospital in Swansea, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Rugby Football League took the decision to postpone the Super League match between the two clubs, which was due to be shown live on Sky Sports.

Initially no reason was given for the decision, other than "unforeseen circumstances", because the player's parents had not been informed.

Wakefield chairman Ted Richardson said: "This is a tragic loss for all involved within rugby league.

"Clearly everybody at the club is devastated by this news and all our sympathies and prayers are with his family at this time."

RFL chief executive Nigel Wood said: "This is truly shocking and tragic news and our heartfelt condolences go to the parents, family and friends of Leon as well as the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats club. Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those involved at this devastating time."

Walker joined the Wildcats from Salford City Reds on a one-year deal in November. The second row or loose forward joined Salford from Leeds amateur club Churwell Chiefs and during his three years with the Manchester club earned representative honours at academy level with Yorkshire and England in 2007.