I tried creating Template:Delayed so I wouldn't have to keep copy-pasting the same text. The date shows fine but I can't get it to show a reference.

If I use the following:

{{delayed|date=Test Date|ref=Test Ref}}

it shows up like this:

• This issue was originally scheduled for Test Date, but was delayed.^[1]

1. ↑ {{{ref}}}

I.e. "Test Ref" doesn't show up.