BRADFORD Bulls Women captain Amy Hardcastle does not see a way that her team’s season can start this year.

The women’s Super League was set to commence on March 29, but like most sports, the RFL have had to suspend all their competitions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Bradford, who have been unable to reach the top four since that remarkable treble winning season in 2017, were supposed to be playing fierce rivals and current champions Leeds Rhinos on the opening day.

Hardcastle was named skipper for this campaign after consistently performing well, which even earned her a place in the team of the decade selected by the NRL - the only England player to be recognised.

After a disappointing campaign last term, where Bulls finished sixth, the England star was determined to build on her individual success of being nominated at the Bradford Sports Awards.

Hardcastle finds it hard to follow the thinking of men’s boss John Kear, who feels rugby can resume this year (see yesterday's article), but has an idea on how the sport should come back once it is safe to do so.

She said: “I personally don’t think there will be a season this year for any rugby teams. I don’t think they’ll be able to catch up.

“We would have to play a couple of games a week and I don’t think it is realistic. I think it will get scrapped.

“I do miss rugby and the gym but we all have to be realistic and think we can all come back to rugby, it is not the end of the world. I can’t see the season going ahead.

“I would like to see a massive Nines tournament (when we resume). Even if it was over a week, with teams from men’s and women’s Super League all the way down to the leagues that they can.”

Hardcastle is expected to star for hosts England at the World Cup next year, the third one of her illustrious career.