Nope even with max perry not being there it's definitely not a rule. Just look at scunny they have ace on 5 average there no1 is goin to be a CL reserve mayb luke Harrison.
Luke had issues with his engines all year, he got sorted for last meetings had 1 at no1 for berwick and 1 at no7 for Workington and rode how he knows he can.
Personally no, alot of ppl keep saying if he's in the mood but if he isn't he could end up being a no show again which ruins any decent team when your no1 is out. Saying that I can see it being cook at no1 tho