A good cup run is vital with the money drying up from other sources.

Team is out. Just had to be done.

Warrington Wolves 21-man squad: Sitaleki Akauola, Matty Ashton, Keanan Brand, Jason Clark, Matt Davis, Riley Dean, Eribe Doro, Luis Johnson, Samy Kibula, Leilani Latu, Ellis Longstaff, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Cole Oakley, Declan Patton, Stefan Ratchford, Ellis Robson, Nathan Roebuck, Kyle Shelford, Josh Thewlis, Danny Walker, Connor Wrench.

Well other than Smiffy I think it's fair to say none of us were quite expecting that.

Next challenge is guess the team

Ratchford, BMM, Clark and Ashton to miss out.

If you picked the "best" players they would probably play trying to keep out of trouble & avoid injury. Not worth it.
When we play Leeds (14th Oct) then that will be a strange game ... depending on who is in the Final.
We have got to get used to not picking our "best" team.

Whatever team is out will be unrecognisable!

I don't see any regular wingers in that pick, so;

Ratchford

Ashton
Brand
Roebuck or Oakley
Thewliss

Patton
Dean

Latu
Shelford
Akauola
Robson
Longstaff
BMM

Bench; Johnson, Doro, Davis, Wrench

That's probably miles off, but it was fun trying to guess anyway

Didn't Sita start his career on the wing?

Salford squad not out yet!

Not sure we can afford a winger who does 10 minutes each half!

[urlhttps://www.superleague.co.uk/match-centre/preview/3366[/url

Looks as though Salford don't have the squad depth in order to rest so many. If we win this one it would be the result of the season. A chance for a few of the young lads to stake a claim for more game time as the season progresses.

He has certainly played there because I can remember a clip showing him crashing over, but I haven't the faintest idea whether or not is was a regular spot for him.

Sky are on the phone now desperately trying to head shots for their graphics for some kids theyve never heard of.

that beint said, its nice to be able to throw out a bunch of kids in a game when our choice rather than in an injury situation.

2007 against Leeds down here comes to mind, and another game that was on during the football World cup

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