The decision to allow a second-string Salford team to play against St Helens has copped backlash, with one NRL player weighing in on the “sad and unsafe” saga.
In the opening round of the Super League season, the under-strength Red Devils were absolutely battered by the competition heavyweights, losing 82-0 on Sunday (AEDT).
Due to regulations surrounding their salary cap during an ongoing club takeover, Salford named what was essentially a reserve grade team for the season opener.
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The result was the biggest winning margin in the English competition’s history and led to plenty of reaction from players and fans on social media.
St Helens players celebrate during the 82-0 win over Salford. Getty
Knights star Jackson Hastings, who spent time with Salford during his stint overseas, was quick to condemn the decision to allow his former team to endure such a beating.
If the top line players weren’t allowed to play for whatever reason, exposing young kids to that environment when they clearly aren’t ready is sad and unsafe,” he said via X.
“Either let them play, or reschedule the game. I get there are circumstances around it, but make it work. I feel sorry for the young players.
“I don’t care if it’s the RFL, Salford or whoever. The point still stands, the young kids need to be protected and so does the integrity of game.”
St Helens were littered with stars for the round one clash, with new recruits Kyle Feldt and Tristan Sailor both starring in the one-sided victory.
Kyle Amor – who played more than 200 games for the Saints – echoed the sentiments from Hastings during a passionate social media post in the wake of the game.
“Did rugby league miss a huge opportunity this weekend?,” he said via X.
“Following Thursday night’s thrilling opener, we’ve seen three games decided by a total of just four points – great viewing for rugby league fans!
“But despite the excitement, yesterday felt like a massive own goal for the sport. With no Six Nations on TV, rugby league had a golden opportunity to showcase its best talent in a prime-time terrestrial slot on the BBC.
“Instead, Salford – still restricted by salary cap limitations – fielded a side full of young, inexperienced players. The result was an 82-0 scoreline that does little for either team, the competition, or the sport as a whole.
“Of course, there are two sides to every story, but surely a better solution could have been found to ensure a more competitive spectacle? This was a moment to put rugby league in the best possible light, and it feels like an opportunity wasted.”
It was a demoralising start to the season for Salford, who finished fourth last year.
Elsewhere in the Super League, Sam Burgess got one up on his brother Tom as the Warrington Wolves outlasted Huddersfield on Monday morning (AEDT).
It was the former Rabbitohs star’s first game in his new colours after leaving the NRL.