Salford only named 17

10 out of that 17 played on Thursday and quite a few that will be expected to play in the semi final. Our young lads won't be looking to win this one but they will want to give Salford a game.

As long as they give their all, then the result isn't that material. Having said that, I would like to think the players wearing those shirts go out looking for the win. If it doesn't happen, then c'est la vie.

For me, this is a no-lose situation for us.

Most of the frst choice 17 get a rest
Kids get much needed game time
If Salford win it's expected
If Salford lose or win marginally it's a big psychological win for us
Salford players will be less rested for the semi

Provised Stef and Ashfon don't pick up injuries and the game is relatively competitive then all good.

The most interesting aspect will be how Latu, Akuoloa and BMM react as leaders. The former two really need to step up, show Cooper-esque steel and lead the kids by example.

I understand the reasoning behind this 21 but I'm disappointed.
I want us to win the LLS - many (arguably including SP) don't rate it.
It's one of only 3 trophies on offer.

We have the strength in depth to field a much stronger team without significantly affecting our chances in the cup.

I almost feel like it's taking the p***.

If SP wanted to field a weakened side it would have made more sense to me to name 4 additional first teamers in the 21 and not play them because it could have bluffed Salford into naming a stronger side.
Also there is the risk that some of the youngsters get 'scarred' by a mauling by Salford before their SL careers have really begun.

I appreciate that this may not be a popular view.

Everyone entitled to their own opinion but I'm not happy about this.

How could he have named another four first team players and not played them?

My assumption is that 4 of the 21 to be dropped are fringe players like Oakley (ok maybe a big assumption) - so replace the fringe players with 4 first teamers, then drop those first teamers when the squad is cut to 17 - unless peole already know that SP is already planning to drop 4 first teamers from the 21.
I've no way of knowing.

No one cares about the league leaders shield, we've got 2 of them already, its nice but irrelevant.

As soon as this Fixture List was put together it was clear to see. It has been made so difficult to get to Wembley and stay at the top of Super League.
This was always going to happen. Saints will have their full team from now on. Wire/Wigan/Leeds will be looking, getting to, or recovering from Wembley.
Let's take it for what it is ... a great opportunity for our fringe players. We are looking good.
If we really, only, wanted to win the League it would have been better to get knocked out of the cup ... like Saints. Which would you prefer?

This year`s top 4 play off games will be all played in stadiums with no fans attending and maybe even played at neutral venues, for those clubs that share stadiums with football clubs.

Finishing top this year gives little advantage. Hence teams focus is qualiffying for the play offs and 4th spot is acceptable

If he wasn't going to play them he wouldn't have named the fringe players in the squad. I don't think any of the senior first team players will play.

I agree that there are too many changes really and freshness is not as big a thing as momentum in sport IMO. I think we could have brought 7 or 8 in and still have a very good chance of winning.

I disagree about the lls if we win it but nothing else its hardly a consolation and if we pick up one of the others (especially the superleague trophy) I don't think anybody will care if we don't have the lss to go with it.

I understand all of your comments and I appreciate your points of view.
I know my view is in the minority.
Unquestionably there are some reasonable points, but like I said, I think we can win this without impacting the future games with a half decent team (rather than a full 2nd tier team - no offence intended to the fringe players) and don't want to throw it.

Anyway, we'll see.
Let's hope it's a good match and the guys stand up to be counted.

There isn't even home advantage in the play-offs to worry about.

It’s now very awkward and no-win situation. for Salford as they will be expected to win. Massive incentive for the youngsters playing for Wire.