Debate has raged after Storm coach Craig Bellamy revealed that several Melbourne stars will be rested from the team’s match against the Cowboys this Thursday night. The Storm locked away the minor premiership and the No. 1 spot following a win over the Dolphins last week so their last two regular season games against the Cowboys and Broncos essentially mean nothing in the context of the season.
Following the Dolphins win, Speaking on NRL360, The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield disagreed wholeheartedly with the act of mass resting players, believing it’s not a good look for the game. “I don’t like it at all. There’s talk they’ll (rest) ten players,” Rothfield said.
“I understand there’s a premiership to win and they’ve had a tough, long slog all year. I think when you sign up for your Foxtel or Kayo or however you consume rugby league, you don’t expect to watch second grade teams and that’s what they’ll put on the park this weekend. “I think for the fans that come from remote areas in North Queensland, they travel up to six hours to watch a game of footy to see the likes of (Harry) Grant, (Ryan) Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes play.
“I just think you’re ripping people off.” Rothfield then argued that if the Storm are allowed to rest several players, why a team like South Sydney, who sit in 15th and are eliminated from finals contention, couldn’t do the same. “Why don’t Souths – their season is done - why don’t they stand down playe.