It is simply down to availability. Someone like THJ who has made himself available or a rider like........er... well there was no one available to fit Richie’s average who could reliably knock in 6 plus points.
THJ is past his best but could still do a job. We have nothing to lose so why not? Last night proved we can’t go with r/r as once another rider is knackered we are stuffed. Especially a rider who is due to take an r/r ride. Kennett and KP don’t fit so there’s no choice other than the sarjeants of the league.