Huddersfield Giants boss Luke Robinson is the latest figure in the game to speak out on the absurdity of loop fixtures, whilst also admitting it is a welcome change to have strength in depth after a torrid time with injuries.
The Giants head into the clash Wigan Warriors on the back of a win over Castleford Tigers, in what was only their third win of the season.
Robinson addressed the media ahead of his trip to the Brick Community Stadium and gave an injury update on forward Oliver Wilson.
“He has had a problem with his pubis for the last couple of months. He had an injection and missed the Catalans game. He’s aggravated it again. The injection worked but probably not as much so he’s going to have a bit of a rest period where he gets on top of it. He’ll be out for a short period of time.”
The 40-year-old said it was nice to be able to have options to replace his injured players, something he hasn’t had the luxury of for the majority of this season.
He said: “Now we’ve got some bodies on board, there’s another waiting in the wings. Matty English, Fenton Rogers and Sam Hewitt all didn’t play last week so them three are available this week.
He added: “It’s been really nice having to make some decisions regarding the team. We’re in a position where if we do lose somebody then someone can step in.”
Robinson also gave an update on Hull KR loanee Niall Evalds, who has been out since March after breaking his foot.
He said: “He’s pretty much started training with the squad for the first time this week. He’s not ready to play a game, we need to build his load.”
Robinson was asked about the current fixture schedule, and whether loop fixtures was something he agreed with or not.
He responded: “I’ve got a lot of friends who are Mancunians and they don’t watch rugby league so when I explain to them that you play some teams three times and some teams twice, they can’t get their head around it. They just think it’s bonkers and let’s be honest, it is.
He added:Â “It’s a bit of a fairer competition when you play teams twice and potentially have Magic, I love Magic and think it should stay in the calendar. But making it a more even competition and get the schedule right is common sense.”
