RFL ask Salford Red Devils for explanation after making mass squad changes

Salford Red Devils players and fans celebrate.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Salford Red Devils have been asked to explain the changes they have made to their squad for their game against Wigan Warriors on Thursday. The Reds have made an astonishing 17 changes to their 21-man squad for the trip to face Matt Peet's side, who must win to secure the League Leaders' Shield.

Salford secured their place in the play-offs last week, with their victory over Hull FC guaranteeing they will end the season in the top six regardless of their result and those including the teams around them. They need a win to guarantee a top four finish, which would give them a home tie in the quarter-finals, though they would still finish fourth if Leigh beat St Helens.

However, Paul Rowley has instead opted to prioritise rest and recovery, with all of his star players given the week off ahead of the eliminators. That said, the RFL operational rules state that "each club shall take all reasonable and permissible measures throughout each match to ensure that its team gives its best efforts in an attempt to win the match and/or of obtaining the best possible score of the match."

An RFL spokesperson has confirmed to Rugby League Live that Salford have been asked to explain the nature of their squad, and they will be required to provide evidence to show why so many of their players have been deemed unavailable for selection this week.

Of course, it isn't the first time this has happened. Just last year, Hull KR made a plethora of changes to their squad ahead of the Challenge Cup Final, while Warrington Wolves did the same earlier this year. Ironically, the Robins needed Salford to win to keep their aspirations of winning the League Leaders' Shield alive.

Salford's fixture against Wigan was moved forward at short notice last week, which meant they only had a five-day turnaround heading into the fixture. Furthermore, it's believed that a number of Salford's players would be over the workload limits the RFL is implementing next year, which is likely to be an explanation provided to excuse some of their players.

The likelihood is that, given the nature of rugby league, there will be medical evidence to show that most players are playing with some form of injury and there will be no further action. If Salford were unable to do that, they would be in breach of the operational rules.

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