‘I think you’ve earned the right’: Christian Welch locked in for Cowboys game as Storm star defends decision to rest players

Team list Tuesday will look very different for the Storm this week, but one club veteran has confirmed he won’t be rested and will travel to Townsville to face the Cowboys.

Veteran prop Christian Welch has confirmed he’ll play the Cowboys on Thursday night but says the Storm have “earned the right” to rest a bunch of their regulars for the trip to Townsville after they wrapped up the minor premiership with two rounds to spare.

It’s unclear who will be given the week off, but Dally M favourite Jahrome Hughes and State of Origin star Harry Grant will likely be rested along with others who have featured in most games this season, with a call to be made on whether they return for the final game in Brisbane.

Other players like Welch who returned last week from injury for the first time since round 18 will fly up to Townsville, with the prop excited to see some of the Storm’s youngsters get an opportunity to show their stuff just like Sua Fa’alogo and Jack Howarth did when they made their debuts in round 27 against the Broncos last year.

Storm skipper Harry Grant will likely be one of several players rested this week after a long season at club and rep level. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

“I’ve been on holidays for about a month so I won’t be getting a break because I need some match fitness, and there are a few other guys who have probably missed some games during the year who will be playing,” Welch said.

“There’ll be some really exciting rewards for some guys who have been fantastic all year. The general public don’t get to see them because they’re not playing for the Storm, but they’re playing a really critical role for our club in challenging the Storm team.

“We call them the Renegades. They’re the guys who create the opposition during the week, so this week will be pretty funny because we’ll have plenty of senior players over on the other side who’ll be trying to mimic the Cowboys mannerisms and their star players.”

The decision to rest players is great news for the Cowboys who are currently in sixth spot and can wrap up a home final if they win and the Sea Eagles lose on Friday night.

Christian Welch says teams at the top have earned the right to decide if and when they want to rest players. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Mass resting has been a common trend this time of year for teams who have a top-two finish locked up, and it makes even more sense for the Storm who have to travel to tropical Townsville just five days after they thrashed the Dolphins.

Other sports like the AFL have a week off between the end of the regular season and the start of the finals to discourage teams from resting players from matches, but Welch says that takes away the advantage of finishing in the top four.

“It’s a tough one because I think you’ve earned the right,” he said as they look to turn the minor premiership into their first title since 2020.

“We’re not too worried about other teams jostling for those finals positions, but we’re trying to put ourselves in the best position to win a premiership, and I think every team would probably do the same.

“It was really pleasing to find out we won the minor premiership, but I don’t think Australia really cares too much about minor premiers, if I’m being really honest.

“It’d be great if we’re playing the soccer over in the English Premier League (and the title went to the team that finished first).

“It’s a great achievement for the club, but at the end of the day, we’ve still got two more rounds and then a big finals series where you’re trying to win the ultimate prize.”

Originally published as ‘I think you’ve earned the right’: Christian Welch locked in for Cowboys game as Storm star defends decision to rest players