: Mon Aug 10, 2009 4:25 pm
Bilko wrote:
Because those players that dropped down from Reserve level are the ones far more likely to step up to first team level if injuries require so you play them as often as possible. Wigan have always done this. They don't have set Under 18s and Reserves side. Everything is geared backwards from the first team. So if thiers no reserve game those that still qualify for the 18s drop back.
They all qualify at Under 18s level anyway so it isn't cheating. I don't know how many Under 18s play in your Reserve side but thier was nothing to stop Cas doing the same.
No one suggesting it was Cheating I certainly didn't suggest that. I did say it should be more geared to player development. i.e those players who had played previously then sidelined imo should of continued to play with the team they had been playing with all season. Those playing for the reserves who dropped back would imo also benefit from a rest and week off from playing, we all know what a brutal sport it can be and all players benefit from the bodies having a rest.
I do however think it is clear to all why the players were dropped back and it was to strengthen wigans team and cement there spot in the top six. The rights and wrongs of that can be argued. Imo It should be about development. No one is suggesting cheating in any way just that it seems unfair to those players who had been dropped and that the leagues are not fairly balanced ie each team playing each other home and away. if it is to be solely about competition then that should be addressed also. development which is what I believe is should be about.
