Looking at the latest press release from the club it sounds like we may be resting players v Leeds on Friday.

I truly hope this is not the case



Fans are paying £33+ to go to this match!

Appreciate the bigger picture and our main priority is the league but i still feel we should play our strongest side. the whole rugby world will have its eye on us on friday night and our stars deserve a shot at Leeds.

Hopefully we play our strongest side and this is a bit of gamesmanship from the club.

Here are the paragraphs that concerns me.

fortunately we have a large squad this season and playing three games in nine days will no doubt give Paul the opportunity to look at various individuals and permutations. I know our young boys are excited at the moment and they too should be commended along with Reserves Coach Paul Anderson, as the Centurions Reserves team is also unbeaten this season with some notable performances. This weekend will serve as a timely rest for some players to re-energise and focus on the hard yards ahead to the finish line.”

Mr Beaumont continued: “I would also like to pay tribute to our amazing fans who have been immense this season at home and in particular away from home. The lads talk about the lift they get from that. It is one thing doing yourself and your team proud, but to be recognised and appreciated by thousands is overwhelming. As the whole of Rugby League will find out via the fantastic medium that is Sky Sports, our fans are something special.

“I will never forget the way they cheered non-stop at Halifax when we were 24-0 down. We look forward to their support on Friday and draw comfort we can count on that no matter what. I would ask as I have of Paul and the boys that he decides to turn out on the night that you enjoy the occasion for what it is and celebrate tasting something we are building towards enjoying on a weekly basis in the near future.”

Full Story here :- [urlhttp://www.leighcenturions.com/news/541[/url

Would do huge damage to both our reputation and the reputation of the Championship if we put out a weakened side and ended up getting a thumping. Put out our best possible side and give it a go, that's all we can ask.

I was asked for places for the reserve team on a coach and today they've cancelled those places , so this could indicate some are playing instead maybe, then again we could be trying to get Leeds to rest players .

Gutted if true though

Whilst being aware of the 'bigger picture', I feel it would be a great shame if we chose to rest players, thus depriving our players and loyal fans of the chance of the game of a lifetime. This game, although not vital in terms of our aims this season, is an excellent opportunity for the club to showcase what it has to offer, to a big TV audience, and the RL world.

Well said Alan

I understand the reason, but as a fan I would be disappointed if this occurs

I'm suspecting a p1ss poor attempt at mind games.

Still think we will put our strongest side out. It's only fair to the players and to the fans. 9 coaches already booked. Can't see them letting the supporters or the players down. All of them will want to play against Leeds.

Hope you're right Matt

WYSI , wait till play Wigan in the Semis

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Anyone who thought we were going to put our first choice team out so with the Fax game so close must want their bumps feeling!! Surely we have got a big enough squad though to have decent names from 1 - 17.

As Leeds are giving SL teams a thumping every week, do you really think our strongest team won't get a thumping Matt?
I'd put out a competetive team, but use some of our older heads and give the bright young things a rest. The last thing we need is Brierley and Kay etc. getting injured or dispirited and losing their momentum.

It looks as if a director already knows that players are being rested, it is a shame it wasn't announced before tickets and coach seats had been booked. It is hoped that Leeds take the same approach for this 'distraction' or it could be embarrassing.

Will Keighley be resting players for the Widnes game on Thursday, as they play Haven away on Tuesday ? They are only 5 points above the final relegation place, even though they are 6th in the table !

Dispirited!!! I bloody hope not.

Depends who/how many we 'rest' or have on the bench instead of starting.
There are CERTAIN players that it would be madness not to play.

I understand we are indeed resting players. We are playing away at Whitehaven on the Tuesday and for me is much more important to have our strongest team there.

We do have a big squad and thought we may have 'rotated' some of them by now - given the 'burn-out' we have suffered at the business end of the last couple of seasons. How many of our squad are out on loan or unavailable at the moment, though? (Brown, Govin, Briscoe, Thornley, Littler, Aspinwall, and Bullock on loan and Maden is suspended and Gardner injured) That thins down the squad options somewhat.

Definitely two poor attempts at mind games for me. Let's just wait and see

After playing 17 undefeated games, do you really think we are now saying we are not up for the head up challenge of taking on a Super League side so we are sending over a weakened side. ??

No chance for me.

Depends on your definition of a thumping I suppose, but the -28 handicap looks quite favourable when compared to the -60 we had at Wigan last season.

Rest a few against Halifax instead....they are rubbish !

Shocking if true. Shows have far the cup has fallen. I'm a Leeds fan and always enjoy a game against the lower leagues, always great to see a side have a dig, and players put them selves in the shop window. Probably just watch on TV now.

Spot on LEAGUE far more important

.......and do you think Leeds will play their strongest 13??

If I was resting anyone maybe Ostick for Wilkes, Gov for Penky, Brown for Kay & Haggerty for Goulden that's about it I would risk. We are representing the championship & most importantly our town I hope we do field a strong team & have a good go at Leeds.