Pundit’s ‘right thing’ verdict following Salford Red Devils squad decision to face Wigan Warriors

Jon Wilkin insists Salford Red Devils coach Paul Rowley has done the ‘right thing’ by naming a weakened squad to face Wigan Warriors on Thursday night. The Red Devils secured their spot in the play-offs last week as they took on and thrashed Hull FC at the MKM Stadium.

As such, they sit in fourth spot heading into the final round of Super League fixtures and know a win over the Warriors would be enough to secure a home match in their first play-off tie next week. However, Rowley has made 17 changes to his squad as he looks to hand his star men a much-needed rest going into the knockout stages of the competition.

It’s a move that hands Wigan a firm advantage in the meeting and with the League Leaders’ Shield still to play for, it’s one that hasn’t gone down well with supporters of Hull KR with the Robins in second, two points behind the Cherry and Whites. The RFL have questioned Salford’s selection, with the club now needing to justify such a selection in a satisfactory way.

However, Wilkin believes Rowley has made the correct call in resting his star men, limiting the potential of picking up a detrimental injury.

“There’s a risk and a reward,” Wilkin said regarding the Salford Red Devils’ selection on Sky Sports. “He’s got one of the smallest squads in Super League and he has the opportunity now to rest players.

“If he gets one or two injuries, it’s catastrophic, they will not win in the next round and he’s taken a gamble. He’s gone ‘right, we’re willing to lose this game and gift Wigan the League Leaders’ Shield,’ in the hope that he retains a full, functioning squad for that first play-off game.

“I think it’s the right play. As much as being a broadcaster I would love to see Wigan and Salford go at it toe to toe and Wigan really earn that League Leaders’ Shield by beating a team in the play-offs. I think Paul Rowley has it right. He’s in the business of winning and winning Grand Finals and I think he’s done the right thing.”