Leeds amateur club Stanningley delighted by Hunslet RLFC's 'great gesture' for Challenge Cup derby

Stanningley, of the amateur game’s new National League One, are staging the Betfred Challenge Cup second round tie at their Arthur Miller Stadium, in Coal Hill Drive, on Saturday (1.30pm). Under Cup rules, away teams are entitled to half of the proceeds, but Hunslet have told Stanningley they will forgo their share of the gate money - and their directors plan to pay for tickets, rather than accept free hospitality.

A delighted Stanningley acting-chairman Dean Parker told The Yorkshire Evening Post: “We are massively thankful for their assistance and their support in the build up to the game - as well as during and after it. It [waiving the split gate] is a great gesture.”

Both clubs initially believed amateur sides would retain all takings from this weekend’s ties and Hunslet chief executive Neil Hampshire said they were “disappointed” that was reversed by the RFL. He said: “It’s vitally important that the professional game supports community clubs wherever possible as they are the key pathway for players coming into the sport.

“Quite simply, we would not have rugby league without them. To that end, we at Hunslet are proud to announce that we are waiving our right to any income from our game against Stanningley on Saturday. In addition, all of our club directors will be paying to attend rather than taking free hospitality. Let’s hope there is a sell-out crowd for the game and Stanningley also do great business in their clubhouse.”