Paul Rowley has certainly set tongues wagging this week with the Salford Red Devils squad he has named to take on Wigan Warriors on Thursday night. The Red Devils travel to the Brick Community Stadium knowing that their spot in the Super League play-offs is already safe and secure.
Their win over Hull FC last time out was enough to seal their spot in the top six and they will be facing Wigan this week with the possibility of a home eliminator clash on the line. Wigan have plenty to play for too, obviously, with the Cherry and Whites needing a win over Salford to wrap up the League Leaders’ Shield.
That’s why Rowley’s squad selection has been so controversial, with the head coach making 17 changes to his 21-man squad. Wigan can expect to face a much-changed and inexperienced Salford side then on Thursday night and that makes the home side overwhelming favourites to win the league trophy once more.
Of course, such an approach ensures Salford’s star men will be rested up, recovered and refreshed for their first play-off game at the end of the month, which at this point looks like it will be against either St Helens or Leigh Leopards.
Such a decision may clash with RFL operating rules regarding teams endeavouring to win every single match in the interest of the competition’s integrity. And, as first reported by Hull Live, Salford have been questioned by the RFL this week about the squad Rowley has named.
As such, in order to satisfy the RFL’s enquiries, Salford must now provide the relevant medical evidence to justify the withdrawals. Given the bumps, bruises and knocks that most clubs are carrying at this stage of the competition, it must be said that such documentation probably won’t be too hard for Salford to provide the governing body with, particularly with the game being moved forward 24 hours on short notice.
Hull KR, who are second and still in with a shout of winning the League Leaders’ Shield are the side who Rowley’s squad selection arguably affects the most this week, of course. However, the Robins went down a similar route last season in the build up to their Challenge Cup final.
Willie Peters named a second string side to take on Wigan on the road, with the hope being that the rest would stand his players in good stead ahead of the final with Leigh. Such questions were asked of KR, too, who duly justified the selection.
Salford will now have to do the same or risk compliance action from the governing body.
The Red Devils have named a number of senior players in the fold, with Cade Cust, Amir Bourouh, Ollie Partington, Chris Atkin, Joe Shorrocks and Adam Sidlow among those included. However, star names such as Tim Lafai, Marc Sneyd and Ryan Brierley won’t be involved the Brick Community Stadium.
In their place will be youngsters and fringe players, with a number of Salford Red Devils debuts set to be handed out.
