Super League fans split on competition integrity question after Wigan Warriors versus Hull KR

Despite the RFL ruling that Wigan Warriors’ squad selection did not break Super League rules about integrity, plenty of fans still feel there is a question to be asked following Thursday night’s match.

Hull KR ran out 62-4 winners in a one-sided affair between last year’s Super League Grand Finalists, who will now face off at Wembley in the Challenge Cup Final next weekend.

With the Challenge Cup Final on the mind of both clubs, it was expected that each side would rest players but Hull KR went close to full-strength, and Wigan went the opposite way as they changed 15 of their 17 that beat Leeds Rhinos.

Matt Peet handed out ten debuts with plenty of those who did debut sure to be stars of the future but fans have still questioned if it was the right decision, with one of the competition’s premier match-ups reduced to what was effectively a training session worth two competition points.

Some comparisons have been made to Salford not fielding a full team in round one of last year’s competition, however, the then-Red Devils admitted that they did not play players who were fit and of course that game was at the start of the season, compared to this being in round 12.

With so many players having played large minutes and picking up niggles and knocks, it’s hard to definitively prove that Wigan were not just in resting players but the debate has still raged on.

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Super League fans split on Wigan Warriors’ team selection

Serious About Rugby League asked fans if Wigan’s squad selection had affected the integrity of Super League with over 1,100 replies recorded at the time of writing. Here’s a look at how the debae went.

Plenty felt that Wigan’s team selection has affected the integrity of the competition.

Tommy Lee: I’ve no complaints against resting some players (three or four), but pretty much a full team is taking the mick.

Neil Platt: Yes. What happens if KR get 1st or 2nd on points difference. They wouldn’t usually beat a full-strength Wigan by this many points.

Neil Burdett: Look what happened when Salford fielded a weakened team last season.

Paul Brownhill: I think one of the issues is that Hull were able to build up a positive goal difference that other teams won’t have the opportunity to when Wigan at full strength. Similar to Saints last year or the year before against Salford.

Ian McGowan: That cricket score may be decisive at the end of the season, as there is a good chance that the league leader will be decided on points differential. One or two other teams may justifiably feel hard done by

As for those arguing that Super League’s integrity was not impacted.

Martin Henry: KR beat Saints first team 52-10, I think the kids can hold their heads high this morning

Stephen Lowe: I’ve seen Hull KR beat teams that are full strength by the same scoreline. Thought Wigan did well and have some really good young lads coming through

Stephen Churton: Hull KR rested half of team before Leigh cup final

John Jenkinson: If the league accepts a players registration then they are confirming that a player has a right to play. It’s not up to the league to decide who can and can’t be selected to play in any game. It’s a squad game. Great experience for those young lads – and hopefully will prove positive in the long term. Giants fan.

Nick Mills: To be fair whilst we did get a bit of a tonking it was good to see the youngsters in action, particularly in the second half, and they showed some real promise for the future. Yes it will look a poor decision if we lose next week but I think Matty Peet has earned our trust over the last couple of years.

Mark Beaumont: Wigan are allowed to field any team they like. If they want to rest players, that’s up to them. Any team can do the same. If they didn’t have the Challenge Cup final in a week, it would be a very weird decision. With that, it’s understandable. Great opportunity for the young lads.