AJ, players can get injured at anytime in any game so not sure of your point.

Playing a deliberately weakened team in any sport sends out the wrong message to me.

I have total faith in whatever team Barry picks will be chosen beacuse he thinks we can win and thats how it should be, why admit defeat before you get on the pitch.

How many teams go forward from each pool? Widnes are top of our pool then us.

Cougarbar member, its the top 4 as far as I know.

And the more games you play in the more chance of getting injured. That's only logical.

And recovery is harder when you play a midweek game. That's something the coaches will tell you.

So that's my point, albeit a very obvious one.

If we sent a full strength team up to Barrow and caused an upset it would be nothing more than a pyrrhic victory.

I think we'd be compromising our chances of beating Leigh too much.

Its Barrys call,period!!!

Agreed!, its not like we can influence his decision but the point of having a forum is to discuss the team, game and all that comes with it, the title of this thread could be worded somewhat better but never-the-less its creating some very strong and interesting opinions

I would take this silly cup very seriously because we are more likely to win it than stay up. Not sure of the format but i am sure we need to win less games in this silly cup to win it than we do to stay up. at least that way we will have one a cup and then win the league and grand final in the lower division next year (that would be 4 trophies in 24 months) icon_biggrin.gif icon_biggrin.gif icon_biggrin.gif

If the format in Championship 1 stays the same as it was last season, that's impossible as League winners get automatic promotion and don't enter the playoffs.

I don't think anyone's implying we shouldn't have a good crack at the Trainspotters Cup but the game against Barrow will not effect our progress in the competition as we're already through regardless of the outcome of the game.

Ok i'll take your word on that one

, it will have to be the Challenge Cup then to replace the play off trophy

I can see both sides of the debate and whilst I think we should make best use of our full squad throughout the season, it just goes against the grain to put out a weakened side on purpose. I also think it sets a dangerous precedent.

Picture this:

We've been playing well, clawed back the -9 points and have a chance of survival. Barrow are doing well in the league, have signed a couple of S/L quality players in their build up to an SL application, and have also had an exceptional cup run. They have a midweek fixture against our survival rival and are odds on favourites to win. However, they decide to play a virtual reserve grade side to save the best players for the cup fixture at the weekend. They feel justified in this because after all, others have done it against them

. They loose and we are subsequently relegated.

How do you feel now?

PS someone also makes a lot of money at the bookies

The idea of a squad is to make full use of playing all of them, if they are needed.
So no i would not have any problem with this happening.

Just a thought if we are being beaten do you think we should walk off pitch avoiding further injuries

My englishh is notta so gooda.

I think you are missing the point I am trying to make. To me there is a big distinction between "first team squad" and "reserves"

So far on this thread we have heard the terms:
"Give them the the game" - (I think we have concluded that this is completely unacceptable)
"use the squad"
"Play the reserves"
"Play the second team"
"play a weakened side"

Maybe I am misinterpreting what people mean but when I hear or use the word "squad" I think of that as our first team. Anyone in the "squad" is part of the first team should and will play first team rugby throughout the season in games and at times decided by the head coach to the benefit of the team.

I think our "reserves" or "second team" are the under 21's. (we don't actually have a reserve (A) team any more)

The rotation of players is perfectly acceptable to any team and that includes those in the squad and occasionally those in the under 21's.

So if posters are saying send the second team (under 21's) to play Barrow then IMHO that is just plain wrong and I don't care what back up arguments, and "what if's" are used. This is not in any way a slight on the under 21's, I really enjoy watching them, but an experienced side like Barrow (who need to win), could do some real damage. We need to nurture our young talent not knobble it.

So, having said all that, and to clarify my earlier post, would anyone on this board be happy if we were relegated because another club fielded their reserve side (U 21's) against our nearest rival and lost?????

Dreamer re folk being happy if we got relegated because another team fielded reserve side, I reckon a couple of posters here would not be botheerd, far too much talking the team/club down from individuals for my liking.

Where?

Point me to these posts.

P.S. I'm not having a go at anyone, just expressing my opinion.

You asked GP to answer a question.
You should know that isn't going to happen.

Good see the chuckle brothers aka gw and aj working together again. I only reply to people that are of interest take the hint girls



Post somemething intellectually challengng you may get a response.

See i told you aj









You can never back your point up i don't know why you bother.

Anyone care to answer?

Don't know....

I already answered on your earlier post.
You would have the same answer for this one.