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Salford Red Devils’ Controversial Squad Selection Sparks Investigation
Sky Sports Rugby League analyst Jon Wilkin criticized Salford Red Devils’ recent decision to field a reserve squad in their match against St Helens, which resulted in a staggering 82-0 loss. He described the move as “irresponsible” and “embarrassing” for the club.
The Rugby Football League (RFL) is now conducting a compliance investigation in response to the shocking defeat. This inquiry could lead to Salford facing charges for allegedly violating operational rules, potentially subjecting the club to various penalties.
Wilkin provided context for the situation, highlighting ongoing financial issues faced by Salford. The club has struggled with cash flow, recently being placed under special measures after receiving a £500,000 bailout from fans through crowdfunding efforts. This financial strain has prompted the RFL to impose a sustainability cap, requiring Salford to cut costs by £800,000 to avoid insolvency.
“Salford has been living beyond its means for quite some time,” Wilkin stated, explaining that the club has been warned about a spending cap of £1.2 million for player salaries. “This was not a surprise to them.”
Criticism of Squad Decisions
Due to salary cap restrictions, the Red Devils were unable to use several senior players during the match. However, head coach Paul Rowley opted not to include other experienced players on the field, instead choosing a lineup primarily composed of younger, less experienced team members.
The massive defeat marked the largest winning margin in Super League history, leading to criticism from rival teams, including Warrington’s head coach Sam Burgess, who argued that such discrepancies undermine the integrity of the league.
Following the game, Rowley explained that he had been advised against fielding any players who had recently participated in a Challenge Cup match against the Midlands Hurricanes. He stated that his selection strategy was designed not to mix youth and experience, a choice that attracted considerable backlash.
In response to Rowley’s comments likening the situation to owning a Ferrari that one can’t drive, Wilkin countered, saying, “It’s more like having a Ferrari that you can’t insure or afford to fuel.” He underscored the broader financial urgency faced by many Super League clubs, noting an alarming trend at Salford where a lack of rich ownership has led to pressing cash flow issues.
Wilkin noted the seriousness of Salford’s situation, remarking that it sends a negative message about the sport as a whole. “They attempted to embarrass the game by fielding such a weak team, and that was irresponsible,” he stated. He added that while resting players is common practice, such measures in the season opener are unprecedented.
Future Considerations for Salford
The RFL convened to assess Salford’s case, determining that there might be grounds for a violation of league rules, which mandate that each team must maintain a sufficient squad to fulfill competition obligations. Although Salford has recently announced the completion of a takeover, the specifics appear to be unresolved, preventing the RFL from lifting existing restrictions.
Wilkin clarified that while some overseas investment has been proposed, the vetting process is extensive due to regulatory complexities. “This isn’t like typical corporate due diligence; it takes time to validate such investments,” he explained. “I commend the RFL for maintaining strict regulations and am disheartened by Salford’s recent actions. I hope this leads to reflection and improvement.”
Sky Sports will continue to broadcast every match of the Super League live this season, with exclusive coverage of key contests.
Daniel Dubois vs Joseph Parker and the Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol rematch will be available live on Saturday, February 22, on Sky Sports Box Office. Book now!
Source
www.skysports.com