Salford head coach Ian Watson revealed the club decided not to risk Ben Murdoch-Masila and Lee Mossop for their defeat to Catalans due to knocks.
The pair were left out of the club’s squad to travel to France after they both featured in the victory over Leigh Centurions on Good Friday.
Watson, who saw his side brought down to earth following a 38-6 defeat, said they took precautionary measures and decided to rest them.
“Ben has a little knock and we decided with the flight and the travel we would rather keep him fresh and healthy as the season moves forward.
“The same with Lee, he had a little niggle and we decided it wasn’t best to play him.
“We want to have as fit a squad as possible for as long as possible as that will be vital as the season progresses. The teams that stay the most injury free have a better chance to succeed.”
Watson believes fatigue was a contributing factor in their downfall to Catalans.
“Tiredness affected us massively. There were points in the game where it was there to be won and we just didn’t have that little bit of energy.
“To be fair, it’s not why we’ve lost the game and we won’t make a big deal of it. Catalans did a great job. They played really well. They played smart at certain times.
“But to ask professional athletes to have a two-day recovery and travel for over 10 hours, get here late at night, then go and compete against professional athletes who have had a five-day turnaround, then the RFL need to have a look at themselves really and what they’ve made us do.”
