Rowley has spoken about that rule a couple of times in the press so I imagined it would be. If that's the cases great. I just think with the short turn around this week and play off in mind he will rest a few.

Presumably the option has been there to play games on a Thursday night all through the summer and yet Sky viewers have had to choose between multiple games at the same time. Ridiculous.

I heard him discussing it once on the Bench podcast and talking about how players could be forced to miss Grand Finals, Semi Finals etc, which seemed to highlight that he hasn't paid much attention to it. It doesn't come in to play until next season and the clubs have already been informed that players won't be forced to sit out big games. If Salford made a grand final and it would take a player over their minutes, they'd be allowed to play and would then have their minutes allowance reduced the following season. I presume if clubs just willingly continued to ignore it, there would be some form of punishment but it isn't an issue currently.

As for Thursday, I just can't see Salford resting players. Surely they want a home play off tie and not to have to travel away to St Helens or Leigh, As bad as Saints have been recently, I can't see anyone beating them in a play off game at their place but it could be a different story if they have to travel away.

Bookies giving Salford a 26 point start, which makes me wonder if they know something we don't. No way is that a 26 point handicap if Salford are full strength.

Who is giving those odds? I will have some of that.

B365 and 24 on Sky bet.

Seems strange. I'd say a normal handicap for two full strength sides would be 12-14 points.

Difficult situation to weigh up for Salford. Likely to lose regardless of team they put out but could miss out on a considerable home advantage if they lose and Saints win.

Leigh need to win to get a playoff place, but clearly a risk or Salford to rely on Leigh doing their work for them.

Same 21 as last week, I hope Salford aren't playing the reserves, a nothing game and then 16 days till a semi-final probably against Saints won't be ideal prep

Thank you.

Paddy Power giving Salford 26 points start too. Sounds crazy at face value.

Salford have made big changes to their squad - Sneyd, Lafai, Mcdonald, Brierley, Singleton, Watkins etc all out.

Its a total reserve squad we could run up a record score

Not good, we nearly slipped up when Wire did the same prior to the cup final, hopefully this time we can put the game to bed in the first half hour.

I find that a strange move from Salford. I thought they'd have gone all out for a home semi final. They'll be banking on Leigh beating Saints now or they'll be coming to us in the playoffs.

Wigan I guess now have the option to rest some players themselves. Certainly wouldn't be playing Thompson, Faz or Wardle. Maybe French, Field and Smith could do with the game time.

Ultimately well be going into the playoffs off the back of two low intensity games and a week off which has both pros and cons.