Bradford Bulls and Wakefield Trinity teens in modified game

The evening did not feature the traditional two 40-minute halves and instead saw three 30-minute games being played, with 10 players per team rather than 13.

This gave all of the scholarship players the opportunity to take to the field and play, while also further aiding their development following their mid-season break.

Bradford Bulls' head of youth Ryan Hunkin explained the change in format and how the players were able to benefit.

Ryan Hunkin has addressed why the unusual format was used last night. (Image: @OfficialBullsRL.)

He said: "It's an exciting format that was initially trialled earlier on in the season between Wakefield Trinity and Hull FC.

“Having spoken to staff at both clubs involved we decided this fixture against Wakefield was the perfect opportunity for our scholars to take part in this modified format. 

"These modified games are a great development tool for our players to test their skill, decision making, defensive steel, vision and game management under a speed and intensity that they are not used to in the 13 a side game.

“All players who were available for selection featured at some point throughout the evening, and we enjoyed a great evening of player development rugby league. 

"It provided valuable game time for both our Under-15s, who are in the first year of the scholarship system, and our Under-16s, some of whom will be stepping up to academy level next year.

“I'd like to thank (Wakefield’s head of youth) Ben Lazenby and all involved at Trinity for their co-operation over the fixture.”