Hull KR could have little to gain from risking their stars against St Helens, with Paul Cooke weighing up a “calculated gamble” ahead of the Super League play-offs.
The competition’s top six has already been confirmed with one regular-season round remaining, leaving St Helens facing their worst-ever finish after missing out on the play-offs for the first time.
The Robins, meanwhile, secured their place in the knockout stages with a 36-6 win over Huddersfield Giants at Sewell Group Craven Park.
Several first-team stars returned to action for that victory after Willie Peters opted to rest some of his key men the week prior against Wigan Warriors amid a hectic schedule and mounting injury concerns.
Hull KR could still climb to fifth in the table if they beat St Helens at the BrewDog Stadium and Leigh Leopards lose to Wakefield Trinity.
But former playmaker Cooke believes the club could once again choose caution ahead of the play-offs.
Speaking on All Out Rugby League Back Ten, host Kyle Amor questioned whether any club would consider resting key figures with the play-offs looming, but Cooke believes Hull KR are in a unique position.
“Hull KR can, because they can rest all their players and can’t move (down),” Cooke said.
“They’d almost be giving up the ghost, if you like.
“They can take a calculated gamble and rest the players that have looked fatigued for a couple of months.”
Amor added: “I don’t think it matters if you play fifth or sixth, you’re going away, aren’t you?”
The Super League eliminator play-offs get underway on Friday, September 18, with fourth place hosting fifth at 8pm.
Third will then face sixth on Saturday, September 19, with a 5.30pm kick-off.