It is not a big assumption to make. His job as Head Coach of Rochdale is to make them as strong as he possibly can. To do that he will need a squad of around 25 players. He can use up to 5 players from a pool of 8 that aren't in St Helens' matchday 17. He doesn't have to pick all 5, but looking at Rochdale's squad from last season I wouldn't be surprised if he does, and whats the problem with picking better players if he has them available?
Sorry to labour the point but unless you've seen or heard something I haven't it still seems a sizable assumption. Yes his job as Rochdale coach is as you describe but if he also has a 2nd job with Saints then a potential conflict arises. There will almost certainly be times when best for Rochdale is not what is best for saints.
No problem with Rochdale picking the best players available to them, with one proviso. The selection & availability of said players is determined soley by considereation of Rochdale's best intetests. i.e. Rochdale can select the same 5 players week in week out even if that means some saints players go weeks or months without a game or find players who perform well 'moved' ti haven to get a higher standard part way through the season.
Has the max of 8 been confirmed anywhere? It would be an improvement if so.
Edited by intheshed, 11 October 2012 - 03:50 PM.