KIERSTEN DUKE: Payne, Haas, Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam and Latrell Mitchell in NRL’s large casualty ward

The NRL casualty ward is at full capacity with most clubs in a code red as they try to field a full strength team in the dying stages of the season.

Whether this is due to the shortened pre-season or the six again rule speeding up the game, there’s no hiding from the fact the players’ bodies aren’t holding up.

Teams have been keeping their players off the operating table and urging them to play through their injuries because they don’t have the depth to let them end their season early.

South Sydney have been injury-riddled all season but with their pride on the line and not wanting to let down fans they’ve pushed through and are fielding their best team each week minus Latrell Mitchell and now suspended skipper Cameron Murray.

The Broncos are fighting tooth and nail to scrape into the eight after also being plagued by injuries with stars Payne Haas, Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam sidelined.

Is this ideal for the longevity of players’ bodies? I’m going to point out the obvious and say no. But are they doing their upmost to fulfill their side of the bargain regarding the NRL product? Absolutely.

There’s a fine line between players being treated as part of a product and between acknowledging the fact they’re human.

Craig Bellamy has unashamedly rested 11 players for the Storm’s trip to Townsville after they locked in the minor premiership at the weekend following the Panthers’ shock loss to the Raiders.

He wants his marquee players in tiptop condition going into the final rounds of the season and he knows that rest is the key as another bruising campaign comes to a close.

The decision has divided the rugby league world with some pundits arguing Melbourne have earned the right to basically rest their entire first grade team, while others say it’s not a good look for the game.

The AFL introduced a week’s break between the final regular season round and first round of the finals to stop teams resting players en masse like Bellamy has.

The NRL is a multi-million dollar product that broadcast companies and fans pay good money to watch on TV and in the stands.

By resting your star players are you truly holding up your end of the bargain or are you robbing viewers who have purchased tickets to a NRL game, only to end up watching the equivalent of a reserve grade team?

While I feel for the fans in North Queensland missing out on seeing the Melbourne stars in the flesh, I strongly believe that Storm have well and truly earned the right to make this move after putting in the hard yards slogging through what’s been a long season for them.

And when you consider how tough this season has been regarding injuries overall, it makes Bellamy’s decision to do whatever it takes to preserve his side a smart one.

The Cowboys are sitting in sixth spot so I am also sure Todd Payten will be patting Bellamy on the back for his decision – provided they win, of course.

North Queensland fans have not been completely short-changed and will get to see one of their favourite State of Origin sons Cameron Munster in action, while star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is also playing.