After their thrilling victory over Toronto Wolfpack in The Million pound game
London Broncos became immediate favourites for relegation in 2019.
Head Coach Danny Ward’s recruitment was modest but at the same time some clever signings were made.
With a nucleus of good young players their is also plenty of experience in The Broncos 2019 squad. Ward has kept faith in his heroes of 2018.
An opening round thumping of Wakefield Trinity gave London the perfect start to life in Rugby League’s big time. A surprise victory over Leeds at Headingley and at home to Wigan just shows they can upset the odds on their day
The two sides met earlier in the season with Salford running out 24-0 after a real solid display at The AJ Bell Stadium.
A disappointing Challenge Cup exit away at Halifax highlights the poor run of form London are currently on. Since the triumph at Headingley in March five straight league defeats have followed. Despite the poor form The Broncos put in a real battling display had Huddersfield on Easter Monday before going down 24-19 to a late try.
Super League away record.
London 10
Draws 1
Salford 8
1997 London 48 Salford 12
1998 London 21 Salford 12
1999 London 28 Salford 14
2000 London 24 Salford 33
2000 London 10 Salford 16
2001 London 14 Salford 37
2002 London 26 Salford 19
2004 London 35 Salford 30
2005 London 34 Salford 18
2006 Harlequins 40 Salford 18
2007 Harlequins 18 Salford 18
2007 Harlequins 22 Salford 16
2009 Harlequins 22 Salford 26
2010 Harlequins 22 Salford 26
2011 Harlequins 16 Salford 24
2012 London 40 Salford 28
2013 London 30 Salford 44
2014 London 18 Salford 44
2018 London 11 Salford 8 (qualifiers)
They played for both
Since Fulham made there debut season in 1980 there have been a lot of players to represent the capitals team (Fulham,London,Harlequins)and Salford, here are a selection;
Steven Bannister, Radney Bowker, Andrew Brocklehurst, Luke Burgess, Mason Caton Brown, David Cruikshank, Luke Dorn, David Driver, Carl Forster, Matt Gardner, Matty Gee, Tony Gourley, George Griffin, Gareth Haggerty, Tim Hartley, David Highton, Andy Johnson, Ben Jones Bishop, Olsi Krasniqi, Tommy Lee, Ian Maccorquodale, Martin Offiah, Rob Parker, Gareth Price, Jon Roper, Darren Shaw, Andy Smith, Anthony Stewart, Trevor Stockley and Josh White.
A match to remember Saturday 17th February 2007.
Harlequins 18 Salford 18.
Remind to round two of Super League just over twelve years ago.
After an agonising 26-30 defeat at home to Leeds in front of over 8,000 supporters in round one Salford travelled to The Stoop for this Saturday evening clash.
Harlequins had former Australian Test star Scott Hill at standoff along side former Castleford player Danny Orr who played scrum half.
Salford had a new half back of their own in Luke Dorn. Michael Korkidas and Mark Edmondson were both in the starting lineup for the City Reds after joining for 2007.
Early tries by Tyrone Smith, Chris Melling and Paul Sykes put Quins ahead before John Wilshere and Luke Robinson brought the Reds back into the game.
Salford struggled to grab a foot hold in the match after such a poor start but their endeavour and hard work was rewarded as they fought back to 14-10 at half time.
After the restart, Robinson’s failure to hold on to Rinaldi in the tackle let him score and restore Quins’ cushion.
It looked to be enough until Henry Paul’s misjudged kick launched a Reds counter, finishing in a try for AndyColey. With the scores at 18-14 a frantic finish followed. Another poor kick this time from Orr allowed Salford one last throw of the dice. Michael Korkidas crashed over to delight the travelling supporters and tie the scores at 18-18.
It fell to David Hodgson to try and seal a famous win but his missed goal ensured the game ended as dramatically as it had started. Both sides with four tries and three missed conversions had to settle for a draw and a point a piece.
The teams that day;
Harlequins, Melling, Wells, Sykes, Smith, Gaffa, Hill, Orr, Te Mata, Randall, Mills, Purdham, Hopkins, Paul.
Subs, Rinaldi, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Grayshon, Worrincy.
Salford, Hodgson, Halliwell, Mcguinness, Littler, Wilshere, Dorn, Robinson, Coley, Alker, Korkidas, Edmondson, Adamson, Finnigan.
Subs, Haggerty, Jewitt, Williams, Brocklehurst.
Referee, Phil Bentham.
Saturday’s match.
This clash is particularly significant to both sides. With London at the foot of the table on six points victory could potentially see them leap frog Leeds Rhinos. Wigan and Hull Kingston Rovers sit just above on eight points.
For Salford their is a slight danger this season could turn into a year of ‘what could of been’. The Red Devil’s have come up short frustratingly in a number of games now and could quite easily of been sitting a lot higher in the League Table.
After a thrilling second half fight back against Wigan on Easter Monday, basic errors were again Salford’s down fall.
In the corresponding fixture a few months ago Ian Watson’s men had to work hard for the 24-0 victory. London however seem a different prospect on their home ground and with the gruelling Easter period just behind both teams this match could be all about endurance.
The Broncos have plenty of pace in the back line and with the recent warm weather conditions The Trailfinders Sports Club is almost certain to be a dry and fast pitch.
Not many people gave London a chance of survival this season but after the opening twelve rounds they have proved they will fight tooth and nail for every point they can.
This should be another fascinating encounter, safe travels and enjoy the game everyone.
Pictures by Steve McCormick
Paul Whiteside.
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