Wigan 20 Salford 16

Salford battle bravely against Wigan but unfortunately a late controversial try gives Wigan the points, here is Paul Whiteside with a  look back at the game.

Salford arrived at the DW Stadium full of confidence on the back of two home wins. It was a cagey start with Gaz O Brien kicking an early penalty to give Salford the lead 0-2. The opening quarter was scrappy with both sides making mistakes from forward passes and knocking on.

Salford were very cautious and looked a little nervous. Wigan struck the first major blow with a try out wide from Oliver Gildart. Matty smith missed the conversion and Wigan lead 4-2. For the next ten minutes both sides traded sets and Salford looked dangerous making a few breaks but just coming up short. Oliver Gildart scored again after a good Wigan break as Salfords cover defence couldn't quite take him out. Matty Smith converting 10-2.

Salford continued to pepper Wigan full back Lewis Tierney with high bombs and he dealt with them brilliantly looking very assured in the full back role. Salford were unlucky to be try less at the break and trailed 10-2 at half time

It was the worst possible start to the second half as the dangerous Anthony Gelling scored for Wigan Matty Smith added the kick and wigan extended their lead to 16-2. The game now looked to be drifting away from Salford but we hung in there and a lovely grubber kick from Michael Dobson and junior sau was there to finish bravely. Kick was missed and Salford trailed 16-6.

Robert Lui started to dictate operations and cause Wigan problems and with 13 minutes left Josh Griffins scores out wide. Gaz O Briens kick fell short but the momentum seemed to be swinging to Salford who trailed 16-10.

With great play and good hands out wide Salford hammered the Wigan line. Ben Murdoch Masila followed his own superb grubber kick to clatter the Wigan defender and force a drop out.
Moments later a great ball to Masila came on to the ball like an express train to charge over and the Salford fans roar behind the posts was spine tingling!!! Josh griffin converts and was 16-16 with 7mins left.

Wigan then receive a harsh penalty and move quickly down the pitch. A knock on at the Wigan play of the ball was not spotted by referee George Stokes and in the blink of an eye Dom Manfredi finished brilliantly in the corner. Kick was missed and it was 20-16.
Gaz O Brien came up with a short kick off and Salford were again on the front foot looking to snatch at least a point! O Briens grubber kick was picked up by Wigan defender and then Salford were very harshly penalised for stealing the ball.
Wigan just about manage to hold on. On a night were both teams struggled to find there feet in a scrappy but thrilling contest Salford were unlucky to go home empty handed.
Again there were many positives to take but your heart goes out to the Salford supporters in the North stand at the final hooter. In a very close encounter at the DW stadium.

Ian Watson was disappointed with decision for the final try but was happy with the teams performance

I'm really disappointed with the way the game ended, as we should've had a share of the score at the end..We could all see that he knocked on and the fact it wasn't called up is a disappointment.'
'We gave Wigan too much respect in the first half, we sat back but second half you can see what we can do.
'It's bittersweet, we played well second half but we didn't have that finish to end it. We have to progress to finish at that level.
'The team are more disappointed that they... didn't see the game off. We had a chance at winning that.'
The team, the S & C and medical team have done really well in the short turn around.'

'Kopczak and George Griffin are doing big minutes and doing well in the middle, 'It's a step in the right direction, the team will learn from this and it's positive going forward for us.'

Salford 28 Widnes 20

Another great win for Salford against Widnes this weekend,  Paul Whiteside takes us through the action.

There was a real sense of expectation in the air before kick off at the AJ Bell stadium this afternoon. Salford got off to another flying start.

Ferocious defence rocked Widnes and you could see Salford once again meant business! 3 minutes on the clock and a sweeping move and quick hands sent Justin carney over in the corner Dobson kicked the goal 6-0. Two minutes later Salford burst down the middle and superb backing up from Mark Flanagan as he bravely crashed over under the posts. Dobson added the kick from under the sticks. 12-0.

Salford looked in complete control and the players hungry to get there hands on the ball. Twenty Five minutes on the clock and Michael Dobson came up with a pin point kick to the corner which saw Greg Johnson finish brilliantly. The kick fell just short in the gusting wind 16-0.

Widnes started to find there feet and made a good break down Salfords left Gareth o Brien tackled back superbly but was adjudged to hold down to long and was sin binned for a proffesional foul. For the next ten minutes Salford really toughed it out and dug in to keep there line intact. Ben Murdoch masila was denied a try for the second week running when it looked like he had pinched a one on one steal in the in goal area. Referee Phil Bentham harshly ruled it out.

It didn't take Salford long  Josh Griffin swooped over on 32 minutes. O brien kicked the goal from a difficult possession 22-0.
Rhys Hanbury eventually broke Salfords resistance after 36 minutes but couldn't convert 22-4. From the kick off Salford were very harshly penalised for being in front of the kick. Houston bursting through from the penalty and Widnes were back in the game. Half time 22-10.

Widnes started the second half very positively and it looked like the momentum was starting to swing there way when centre Stefan Marsh scored in the corner. Hanbury failed to convert 22-14.
The tension in the stands was becoming unbearable and when Thompson went over on 69 minutes after a mistake from O Brien following a kick through Hanbury added the extras and it looked like Widnes were going to complete a famous comeback victory. 22-20.

Salford really defended heroically Craig Kopzack came up with some massive plays in defence and Ben Murdoch Masila played his heart out for the full 80.
Five minutes left and the stadium erupted as Mark Flanagan scored and the fanatical Salford faithful breathed a huge sigh of relief. Dobson added the extras and Salford hung on to win 28-20.

This was a game maybe last season we wouldn't have got over the line but this seems a different Salford full of grit and determination and a certain attacking flair that was there for all to see.
Travelling to Wigan on Thursday night with a real belief we can get a result and that's something we probably haven't been able to say for a few years. The support again today was fantastic well done Ian Watson, Tim Sheens and all the players.

Best performance since....part 2

Here is the 2nd part of our blog look back at some great performances and wins in Salfords recent history and how the result against St Helens last Thursday compares.

Paul Whiteside looks back a the famous away win against Leeds Rhinos.

It was Easter Monday 13th April 2009. After beating Warrington in a thrilling match at The Willows on good Friday Salford travelled to Headingly to face Leeds. The team line up was as follows
Stefan Ratchford
John Wilshire
Stuart Littler
Jordan Turner
Mark Henry
Jeremy Smith
Richie Myler
Craig Stapleton
Malcolm Alker
Rob Parker
Luke Swain
Ray Cashmere
Luke Adamson
Subs Robbie Paul Ian Sibbit Phillip Leuluai Lee Jewitt

Salford got off to the perfect start with John Wilshire touching down after a clever kick from Jeremy Smith. Soon after the home fans were silent again as Mark Henry raced in to put Salford 10-0 up after 15minutes. A few fortunate incidents went Salfords way with Leeds having a Danny McGuire try disallowed and I could just sense it might be are day as Richie Myler broke from his own half as the Salford faithful at the scoreboard end cheered him to the line we went in 6-16 up at half time.

The ever so clinical Leeds looked out of sorts and now Salford had a great chance of an upset! Salford got the first try of the second half as Richie Mylers perfect grubber kick was pouched by Robbie Paul to extend the lead even further. How ever Leeds bit on there gum shields and really fought back hard threatening to spoil the upset with try's from Ryan Hall, Keith Senior and Jamie Peacock.  It was Salfords day and a great Easter was confirmed as Jordan Turner took an interception and raced away to score much to the delight of Salfords support who were dancing on the terraces. A fantastic moment! Leeds 20 Salford 30!

"Years of let downs and disappointments washed away on that sunny spring afternoon. I was very proud that day as I walked out of the ground I felt ten foot tall beaming with pride"
Paul Whiteside

It was a great Easter that year. We had just come back up from the 1st division the year before and were making steady progress. My Dad used to tell me all the stories of trips to Headingly in the league and big cup games through the 70s and how we always seemed to blow it at that ground.  It was almost like a curse. I experienced it many times seeing us hammered there numerous times from the late 80s and also a few close encounters including an agonising 39-38 defeat in 2002. .Had my heart broke there in 1998 against Sheffield in the challenge cup semi final when I could almost touch Wembley. I was well aware are last victory there was 5th February 1977 and a fantastic 13-28 victory.

My dad was on the supporters club coach that day and I knew what winning there again would mean to him. When I looked in his eyes at full time after turners try it was a strange moment a bit surreal really. You could see his passion and delight.  Years of let downs and disappointments washed away on that sunny spring afternoon. I was very proud that day as I walked out of the ground I felt ten foot tall beaming with pride.   I think the hammerings make you stronger as a supporter they have done with me But days like that and the recent victory of saints are special let's hope there's more this season. I think the future might not be to bad for us.

Dan Robinson looks back at Salfords famous challenge cup victory against Wigan in 1996


Sunday 11th February 1996 was the day Wigans dominance in the challenge cup was hit by a blast from "little" Salford as many called us in the run up to that day. With a pact crowd at the willows there was excitement in the air from all concerned as an upset may have been on the cards.

The Reds led by former Wigan favourite Andy Gregory came in to the game with lots of confidence and with former Wigan players, Steve Hampson, Sam Panapa, Scott Naylor and Steve Blakeley in the Reds side there was certainly some added spice to the game. Wigan were obvious favourites with Andy Farrell, Henry Paul, Martin Offiah and the rest of the big guns on display.

The hooter sounded and Steve Blakeley got the game under way. I remember the first hit up by Scott Quinnell knocking over our defence like skittles. It was the Reds who got the first try of the game with skipper David Young pouncing on a Mark Lee grubber kick to crash over to the left of the post infront of the traveling supporters. Next to score for the Reds was Scott Naylor, Steve Blakeley carving through the Wigan defence and being tackled 10 metres out. Peter Edwards at hooker passed the ball to Andy Burgess who found Mark Lee who then dropped the ball off to Naylor who crashed over the line.

Just before the break I remember Steve Hampson trying to take a drop goal about 20-25 metres out and missed really wide of the post. The second half started pretty much the same with Cliff Eccles and David Young making some good metres forward which led to our next try and for me was the try of the match. Blakeley on to Lee who gave the ball back to Blakeley then found Paul "buffer" Forber with a short pass who offloaded the ball to Scott Naylor. He broke through the Wigan defence like a knife through butter and even though he lost a boot he crashed over right infront of me and my family to take the score line further in the Reds favour.

"What a day, what a team, what a memory"
Dan Robinson

The Reds had a couple of tries disallowed on the day and the first was from Steve Hampson who was denied a try against his former club. The next score for the Reds was all down to Mark Lee. 5th tackle on half way Lee gave an outrageous dummy to fool Henry Paul and the Wigan defence who were expecting a kick and ran a good 30-40 metres before throwing a long pass out to Scott Martin who sold Gary Connelly with another dummy to go over under the sticks and the dream of the next round started to become more real in many Reds eyes. Then came Salford's 2nd disallowed try (which to this day I was sure it wasn't a forward pass.) Scott Martin broke through a dog legged tired Wigan defence but was tackled by Henry Paul. The ball came to Lee on the right hand side of the willows end line and a cheeky pass to Darren Rogers should of put the score to 30-10 with 4 minutes remaining.

The referee at first gave the try but after consulting the touch judge disallowed the try. The final hooter sounded and the pitch was covered with happy Salford fans. Salford fans and players became one on that day and I will never forget what that game did to Wigan. Another memory after the game was being in the willows and the players being carried in by supporters to rupturing applause and supporters asking Wigan fans for their final tickets as they wasn't going to Wembley. Final score Salford 26-16 Wigan. What a day, what a team, what a memory.

On to the saints game, well what a performance from 1-17. Brought back a lot of memories from the Wigan game which was another complete performance. Ben Murdoch Masilla looks a real handful and Robert Lui was outstanding but it was a real team effort which must be applauded. Roll on next week against Widnes where we will hopefully see another complete performance

Best result since.....part1

The latest Salford victory against St Helens live on sky sports was a moment that many Salford fans will remember fondly for years to come. But how good was it? Was this performance the best performance by a Salford team in 20 years? 

Through the years Salford have taken part in some dramatic games and in this two part blog we have asked the presenters of the podcast what they rate as their best Salford performance in the last 20 years and if the Saints win betters it?

Rob Parkinson looks back at Salford dramatic attempt at escaping relegation against Warrington back in 2002 and the rebuilding process that took us to the playoffs in 2006.

Salford faced Warrington at Wildespool knowing that only a win would give them chance of avoiding relegation from Super League.

With Wilderspools PA system breaking down before the game the atmosphere in the stadium was amazing. A large Salford following has decended on Warrington in the hope that a win against the Wolves would take them off the bottom with one game to go. 

 Salford started well with a try from Jason Nicol who bounced his way over out wide. Alan Hunte extended salfords lead with a smart finish to give Salford a 2-10 lead at half time.
With Warrington pushing Salford to get back in the game a 100m break away try by Alan Hunte sent Salfords traveling fans wild with excitement.

With time running out  Greg Ebrill crashed over under the posts to secure victory to give fans hope of a final day relegation escape act

.

Even though ultimately the 2002 season would end in relegation the game against Warrington showed me at the time that under immense  pressure Salford could perform.

The intensity of the defence in such a important game was outstanding with Salford only missing 12 tackes all night  (a super league record) and even after all that work in defence they showed they had when it matted the strength, power and pure "will to win" on the day to put in a 80 minute performance to secure the points needed.

"Looking at the squad of 2016 it seems to me that Salford are trying to create a Karl Harrison type team to try and recreate the success of 2006."  

Robert Parkinson

From 2002 to 2006 Karl Harrison built a successful playoff Salford team. Known for their fitness levels, their willingness to out enthuse their opponents and having a that bit of class around the half backs to make difference in any game. As a unit the most consistant Salford team I've witnessed.

 Looking at the squad of 2016 it seems to me that Salford are trying to create a Karl Harrison type team to try and recreate the success of 2006.

The team of 2006 had Andrew Dunnerman and Luke Robinson who were our creative players. Can Robert Lui and Michael Dobson produce the same kind of magic this season? There is still a long way to go but signs are good.

The Forward packs are filled with players who  will give 100%. The 2006 team with Andy Coley, Sean Ruggertson , Malcom Alker and Simon Finnigan  in the pack had a mix of hard workers and xfactor which with confindence took us to the next level.
Ben Murdock Massala, Adam Walne, Captain Tommy Lee and Mark Flannigan provide both "biff and graft" which will ask  questons of many opposition packs this season.

The 2006 back division had great try scoring ability. Karl Fitzpatrick was a dynamic fullback,  David Hodgson, Arron Moule, Stuart Littler and Jonny Wilshire all entertained and came up with the tries which gave us our play off spot in 2006.

I am very excited about our 2016 back divison, Justin Carney and Greg Johnson are fantastic try scorers but also are willing to do the hard yards.

 Josh Griffin with Junior Sau add pace and power to the centre positons and with Nial Evalds and Gareth Obrien competing for fullback we have great strength in deph which is needed if a playoff push is to be a successful  one.

The St Helens game was full of attacking rugby and fantastic defence but for me the important aspect was the intensity both in attack in defence. They gave Saints problems with a consistent calculated attacking performance from deep and near to the line as well as a defensive effort intense enough to knock saints off their stride.
Salford produced a 80 minute performance  without a period of time in the game when our intensity dropped which secured the win and has given us fans hope for a successful season in 2016.

Si Hindle looks back at the Victory against Wigan last year on Bank Holiday Monday

Salford took a 12-8 lead into half-time before Jones-Bishop helped his side jump to third in the table with his 60th-minute effort. Salford's last victory over the Warriors was a 16-4 Challenge Cup fifth-

round victory at the Willows all the way back in 2006.

"Superleague has opened its eyes and are now thinking maybe just maybe the sleeping giant has finally heard its alarm" Si hindle

Wigan nearly took an early lead when Larne Patrick picked up the loose ball to score the opening try.

Wigan increased the lead to 8-0 with a Hampshire penalty.

Salford hit back through Michael Dobson and Rangi Chase, and they sent Nial Evalds over the line. Josh Griffin added the conversion before Salford took the lead for the first time with a sensational try from Michael Dobson against his former club after a break from Josh Griffin who added the extras once again.

Ben Jones-Bishop grabbed a superb solo try on the hour to put Salford into a commanding 18-8 lead.  From 45 metres out and burst through two tackles before stepping around the Wigan Fullback Hampshire in impressive fashion to send the Salford fans into a frenzy.

With 15 minutes remaining Hauraki and Bateman were given yellow cards after their first melee, and three minutes later Hampshire put Wigan right back into the encounter with a try and a conversion to make it 18-14.

Salford sealed the win when Michael Dobson's pass sent Nial Evalds over for his second try four minutes from time, with Josh Griffin adding his fourth goal from four attempts.

Looking back on the game against Saints, of course this is one of out best performances in a hell of a long time. But certainly probably the best under the current reign of Doctor Koukash.

First 10 minutes I thought about the game against Wigan in 2015 at the AJ Bell last year when we finished triumphant. Of course the Saints game finished with a BIG score difference and with it only being two games together in a competitive even more impressive. But the similar traits of heart, passion and commitment were there all to see. The difference??? This time it didnt look out of place! It didnt look like a freak result! It looked like PROGRESSION.

Consistency is now key. Last year after the fantastic result against Wigan, we then went on a losing streak that ultimately put is fighting for our lives. Are we different this year? Time will tell. Does it feel different this year? It certainly does with a togetherness for all to see. The BIG difference now? Superleague has opened its eyes and are now thinking maybe just maybe the sleeping giant has finally heard its alarm. Ego's no more, brothers in arms, hearts of lions and loved by the legion of Devils. Nights like Thursday make you remember why you support Salford and why u LOVE Salford.

 

Salford 44 St Helens 10

Salford fans today are celebrating a fantastic 44-10 win against St Helens. Paul Whiteside looks back at Thursday night's unbelievable performance.

Salford shot out of the blocks and were forcing pressure on Saints straight from the kick off.
Moving up quickly, a real bite in the tackles and the forwards charging in with aggression Salford had the upper hand.
With 4 minutes gone a Saints knock on near there own line gifted Salford possession and on the free play a lovely precise kick from Michael Dobson was pouched by Greg Johnson who scored out wide! Kick was added Salford lead 6-0.
Craig kopzack was next over with a powerful run taking Saints defenders over the line with him to make it 12-0.

This was frantic! Salford playing with a pace that their visitors usually blew teams away with. Another Saints mistake and Robert Lui cut loose to charge over from a set scrum showing a great turn of pace to score. Kick was good and Salford led 18-0 after just 12 minutes.
Saints then got some possession and Alex walmsley showed great strength close to the line to get over. Luke Walsh added the kick 18-6.

A few minutes later Salford received a penalty and wisely kicked for goal to make it 20-6. Salford were making inroads down the right hand side with Justin Carney looking dangerous every time he got the ball.

"In nearly 30 years of watching Salford I don't think I've ever seen us tear apart a top side that convincingly" Paul Whiteside Away day Red

Some  nice work from him and quick hands by the team put Niall Evalds over to score making the score 26-6 after 36 minutes.  Salford weren't finished there though and Robert lui danced over just before the break. Salford led 32-6 at half time and the Salford faithful were in a great mood.
Even with this lead you always expect a comeback from a side like St Helens but Salford started the 2nd half in style.

Adam Walne showing superb power and strength to reach out brilliantly for a try. Michael Dobson missed what looked a regulation kick to make it 36-6. Salford didn't let up in defence as the crowd roared on some crunching tackles from the Red Devils.
Michael Dobson showed a lovely step to scoot over over for a try, the kick was missed  but Salford lead 40-6. Saints winger Adam swift scored out wide for saints after back to back sets on Salfords line after a soft penalty.

Niall evalds finished the scoring darted over in typical fashion at the death to round the night off and to complete  a famous 44-10 victory.

In nearly 30 years of watching Salford I don't think I've ever seen us tear apart a top side that convincingly. Next week can't come quiugh now for Salford with a home match against Widnes.
Last night was outstanding and the attacking rugby was a joy to watch. Final score on a special night at the AJ Bell Salford 44 St. Helens 10

TRIES       Salford 8  St Helens 2

GOALS        Salford 6   St Helens 1

METRES   Salford 1429  St Helens 884

CARRIES   Salford  187  St Helens 127

TACKLES   Salford 264 St Helens 354

OFFLOADS  Salford  8 St Helens 4

PENALTIES  Salford  7  St Helens 8

BREAKS  Salford   6 St Helens 4

Hull FC 42 Salford 20

Salford arrived at the Kc Stadium with renewed hope and optimism for the new season.

It was a poor start with Matt Sarsfield making a mistake from the kickoff but real resilient defensive effort saw Salford keep there line intact.

Shortly after though Hull bust Salford down the middle and went 6 nil up.
Gaz O brien linked brilliantly with Robert Lui and good quick hands off a lovely move saw Junior Sau put Josh Griffin over! Kick was added and it was 6-6.

That was as good as it got in the first half as Hulls superior power in the forwards were to strong and scored four unanswered tries to lead 26-6 at the break.

The second half started much the same as the first with three more hull tries and some poor defending from Salford. 46-6 down with 25 minutes left we feared the worst! Salford showed grit and determination to rescue some pride with tries from Robert Lui, Junior Sau and Niall Evalds.

Tommy Lee was sin binned for fighting with Liam Watts of Hull. Strangely Watts stayed on the pitch and Hull received the penalty.

Ben Murdoch Massalla looked unstoppable at times and shows there is promise for the season. Junior Sau also looked very steady again.
Josh Jones looked more comfortable when switched to the pack.

The Salford supporters were fantastic all night and really got behind the lads travelling in good numbers! Hopefully they will be rewarded for there patience this season. All is not lost and there were positives to take from the last 20 minutes.

It doesn't get any easier for Salford though with St Helens the visitors to the AJ Bell stadium on Thursday night.

Final score
Hull FC 42 Salford 20

Super League Preview

Looking forward to the new Super League season? check out our club by club preview for all Salford Red Devils opponents in 2016.

Castleford Tigers

Last season’s 5th place team Castleford Tigers look to have recruited well in the off season with Joel Monaghan a major signing from the club. Off field issues at the end of last season has seen Justin Carney end up at the Red Devils but can Darryl Powell continue to improve the tigers on the field for this season. Luke Gale needs to once again lead his fellow team mates around the park and take a leadership role this season again for the tigers to challenge the top 4.

Catalan Dragons

A lot of new faces also this season from the dragons with recruits from super league and the NRL. Pat Richards makes a return to super league with the French outfit. Richard Myler an offseason recruit from Warrington wolves is looking to lead the Dragons to the summit of super league. Ones to watch this season is NRL recruits Dave Taylor and Glenn Stewart. The dragons will once again look to be a force in the coming season and make a challenge for all available honours in 2016.

Huddersfield Giants

Another team with off the field issues which has seen Brett Ferres leave for pastures new the giants are looking to improve on last season and make it all the way to the grand final in October. The giants have recruited well in the off season with Sam Rapira and Ryan Hinchliffe joining the giant’s ranks. Jamie Ellis is also looking for a big season after being given the number 7 shirt by Paul Anderson. Danny Brough will once again lead the giants around the field and if he can get the big giants pack on the front foot then the giants will no doubt make a mark in 2016.

Hull FC

Hull fc are another team that have make some major signings for the upcoming campaign at the KC Stadium. Big Frank Prichard from Canterbury bulldogs the top signing for 2016 in many supporters’ eyes. The arlie birds are looking for ex red devil Marc Sneyd and Leon Pryce to step up this season and lead their big pack around the field. Could this be the season the Black and Whites can break into the top 4 and maybe pick up some silver wear this season?

Hull KR

Most peoples favourites for the wooden spoon along with Wakefield this season. Last season’s challenge cup finalist need to keep Terry Campese fully fit to partner their outstanding half back Albert Kelly. The addition of back rower Chris Clarkson from Leeds Rhinos and front rower Mitchell Allgood from the NRL should see them a bit stronger in the forwards but as a team they all need to pull together if they want to avoid the bottom 4 and the middle 8’s this season.

Leeds Rhinos

Last season’s super league champions, league leader’s shield and challenge cup winners are no doubt the team to beat again this season. With the loss of the influential Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock and Kylie Leuluai there is a massive leadership missing no doubt this season. New skipper Danny McGuire will hopefully want to continue where Sinfield left off and with Recruitment in ex Wakefield, Castleford and Huddersfield second rower Brett Ferres’s along with NRL recruits Keith Galloway and Beau Falloon should certainly try and fill that void of the players who have left or retired.

St Helens

St Helens come into the new season having recruited very well with youth and experience adding to their ranks. Ex Devils Lama Tasi and Theo Fages 2 very good rugby players will no doubt add to the Saints team along with versatile Player Jack Owens signing in the off season from fellow super league side Widnes. Saints will hope to have Luke Walsh back to his best following last season’s injuries that seen him out of the squad for long periods of time. Prop/ second rower Andre Savelio will look to kick on again this year in his development and will look to cement his place in a very strong and youthful looking saint’s team for 2016.

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats

Another team that has recruited enormously for this season and hope not to be in the million pound game and avoid bottom spot in the super league. Lots of off field trials and troubles effected the wildcats last season and their hoping to put all that behind them for the new campaign. Recruits like Ben Jones Bishop who will no doubt get a large amount of points for them and also a very experience half back in Liam Finn who led their rivals Castleford well for the period he was there. The wildcats personally this year will look to focus on getting into that top 8 to avoid any more nail biting moments towards the back end of the 2016 season.

Warrington Wolves

Last seasons under achievers in many people’s eyes with the squad that had will no doubt look to make an assault towards the top 4 and the grand final at Old Trafford. The wolves have also had a vast amount of ins and outs leading into 2016 with long servant Chris Bridge making the short trip over to Widnes to bolster their ranks. With Chris Sandow and Kurt Gidley coming into the wolves half back spots Richard Myler seen his services required elsewhere and signed with Catalan Dragons on a long term deal. Ashton Simms the big Fijian forward will no doubt have a big season after having a year in super league under his belt. Could it be their year? Will we surly see this week when they face champions Leeds Rhinos.

Widnes Vikings

The Vikings have gone for experience in their recruiting for the coming long season ahead. Dennis Betts’s side who have improved year on year will look to once again make there assent up the super league table. Many people think this year the Vikings will struggle but if Kevin Brown who is there go to man can have an injury free season then the Viking may surprise a few in 2016. Recruits such as Chris Bridge from Warrington and Chris Houston from the NRL will look to have a big year at the Vikings. Personally I think the Vikings will really struggle this campaign and may look to focus for the middle 8’s.

Wigan Warriors

With the return on Sam Tomkins no doubt exciting the Wigan faithful the warriors will to challenge for all honours in 2016. With only 2 recruits brought in by Shaun Wane the Lancashire side will hope their current squad is strong enough to test everyone in the league this season. Willy Isa will look to bring some go forward in the cherry and white jersey and George Williams will look to improve on a first full season as a first choice half back. Can the warriors try and re-create what the rhinos did last year? Wigan fans certainly hope so.

Don't forget to tune into this weeks podcast our 1st for 2016 where we preview the season, look forward to the game at Hull on Friday and much more. use the link below

https://soundcloud.com/devil-in-the-detail-srd/start-of-2016-season-preview-and-hull-away