Former Hull KR man slams Wigan Warriors loophole ahead of semi-final

Today Wigan Warriors and Hull KR collide in a Super League semi-final knowing that Old Trafford awaits the winner just as Wembley awaited the winner of their semi-final clash at the home of Leeds Rhinos earlier this year.

There is so much narrative around this fixture at the moment and this was only enhanced by the fact Wigan could have been without the likes of Bevan French, Kaide Ellis and Harvie Hill through suspension if not for the reserves loophole.

This has drawn huge criticism which has been slammed dramatically by many including Leigh Leopards Director of Rugby and former Hull KR boss Chris Chester.

“It’s crackers isn’t it, it beggars belief,” he exclaimed on BBC Radio Humberside.

“I’m not a big fan, I know some clubs have used that over the years but I think we need to scrap it. I think your ban is your ban, whether you’ve got an academy Grand Final or a Reserve Grand Final in between.

“I’m not a fan, but those rules have been in place for a number of years now and I certainly think we need to have another look at those types of things; there’s plenty of things in our game that we probably need to have a look at, but that loophole, we need to get rid of it.”

As with the controversy over Leigh’s very own John Asiata and his tackling technique earlier in the season, any changes that the RFL make have to be done in the off-season, thus an opportunity could present itself this off-season.

Chester was quizzed on how confident he is about it’s removal and explained that it’s been of benefit to numerous clubs, but a discussion must be had.

“I think there’s got to be some conversations about it, everybody knows it’s not right; Wigan aren’t the only club that have done it, I think Saints have used that loophole and I think Wakefield used it at the start of the year as well. I think there needs to be some sensible discussions in and around it.”

If French proves key then it could be seen as hugely controversial.