Daryl Powell understands why Hull KR and Warrington Wolves have opted to rest players ahead of the play-offs – but he has questioned the impact on the integrity of the competition.

Wakefield Trinity have taken a different approach with a home tie on the line against Leigh Leopards.

Trinity are battling to finish fourth and secure home advantage in the opening round of the post-season, giving them a different incentive to play-off rivals KR and Warrington.

However, Powell has intimated he would have named a strong side for the final round of the regular season come what may.

"I understand why some teams do it," he said. "But I don't think it's great for the game, if I'm honest, but it is what it is and everyone makes their own decisions.

"All along, I've thought we want to keep tuned in. We've managed minutes along the way but I think it's important to keep the integrity of the competition. I've done it (rested players) in the past but not too much.

"For us, it's an important game. We're fighting for a home play-off.

"For other teams, it's different so I do understand it – but it's a crucial game for us to get right."

Daryl Powell has had his say on the weakened squads selected this week. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — Daryl Powell has had his say on the weakened squads selected this week. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

Wakefield hold a two-point advantage over the Leopards, with the extra buffer of a healthier for and against.

That means Adrian Lam's side must win by at least 28 points to leapfrog Trinity and set up a rematch at Leigh Sports Village next Friday.

Powell is keen for his players to ignore the permutations and throw everything into earning the result.

"The players have been talking about that today," added the experienced coach during Thursday's press conference.

Wakefield are in pole position to finish fourth. (Photo: John Clifton/SWpix.com)

"We're not worrying about it too much. There's potential when you're into a game to start thinking a little bit differently but the players just have to concentrate on what they're doing. They need to play well and focus on getting a win because that takes away all the equations.

"We're aware of the details of it but have been a pretty strong defensive team and just have to back ourselves that whatever Leigh do, we can combat it."

A win or a narrow defeat would guarantee Trinity their highest-ever Super League finish – and they could yet improve their current position of fourth.

Ironically, they could directly benefit from Sam Burgess' decision to rest frontline players for Warrington's home clash with Toulouse Olympique.

Leigh are bidding to snatch home advantage away from Wakefield. (Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com)

A win coupled with a Wire defeat and a 38-point swing would secure third place for Wakefield.

However, Powell has reiterated the need for tunnel vision.

"We've got to focus on our game," he said.

"The players are talking about winning the game rather than worrying about any permutations. It'll fall where it falls.

"We've just got to perform. Leigh are a quality team and knocked us out of the play-offs last year so we know how good they are over on their own ground.

"We can't worry about any peripheral issues."