Big Match preview - Wakefield Wildcats v Salford Red Devils

Salford travel to Wakefield on Saturday hoping for another good performance and win. Dan Robinson takes you though his players to watch on Saturday.

Key battles

Scott Moore V Logan Tomkins The battle of the 9's

Scott Moore has been a good addition to the Wildcats since joining from the Cowboys. He likes to play on the front foot and makes the forwards work hard to make room for the backs to get the tries. He is also one of the Wildcats key players in defence. If we can stop him running from hooker and try and make him tired in defence then that cuts out a lot of there go forward play

 LoganTomkins has also been a great players since signing permanently from Wigan. He has had to wait his turn off the bench this season with Tommy Lee being first choice but since Lee's absence he has played very well especially on Easter Monday against the Huddesfield Giants in our fantastic comeback. If he can have another good performance in a Devils jersey and be a good link between the forwards and backs then I feel he will out play Moore and come out on top.

Liam Finn V Josh Wood

After moving from close rivals Castleford in the off season Liam Finn has been ever present in the Wildcats side. There 2 wins over the Easter weekend were a lot down to his play with fellow halfback Jacob Miller. He can also have a very diverse kicking game both long and short so we will need to keep an eye on him for sure.

Josh Wood has made a good start to his 2016 season against the Huddesfield Giants. His stand out moment in the game was beating 3 giants players to the ball and then offload for Gaz O'Brien to score. He was also very strong in defence on the right edge and will hope to kick on from where he left off on Monday.

Tom Johnstone V Josh Griffin

After a good performance against the Huddesfield Giants on Good Friday and a possibility for try of the season Tom Johnstone certainly had speed in abundance and will be a threat to whoever he faces on the wing this week. Solid under a high kick also he can turn a game on its head as proved with his try against the Huddesfield Giants.
Josh Griffin for me should start on the wing this week as he has been very strong in attack and we are lacking options in the winger position. After making an error in defence on Monday he made up for it with a great try after following up a break from Mason Caton-Brown.. For me he has to be one of the best signings we have made since he has been at the club and would be first on the team sheet if I was picking the team.

Stats

It promises to be a exciting game on Sunday full of action and tries. Salfords main threat in this area will be Josh Griffin who is in great try scoring form for the Salford Red Devils. Junior Sau and Justin Carney will a cause for concern for the Wildcats as there is lots of tries in Salfords back division if they get the service.

Tom Johnson is Wakefields Danger Man. With his speed Salford will need to be tight defensively.

ex Salford player Stuart Howarth will be looking to exploit the midde of the field and will be a thorn in the side of his ex employers.

Both teams will be looking for good go forward on Saturday and Salford have the quality to do this. Justin Carney Superleagues top meter maker will lead the way as well as Salfords pack Star Craig Kopczak will get the forward moving in the middle.

Jacob miller will be looking to get the Wakefield Wildcats going forward on Saturday and Big Mickel Simon will be a handful for Salford if he get good ball.

Defence for both teams will need to be at their best for their team to get a result.

Salfords work horses in the pack lead the way with Craig Kopzak, George Griffin and Mark Flannagan being Salfords main defenders and will be looking to disrupt Wakefields go forward on Saturday.

Mat Ashurst another ex Red will be working extra hard to beat his former team, Nick Scruton and Bill Tupou will be looking to keep the Wakefields defence strong against a testing Salford attack.

Coaches Corner

Both Coaches are young modern coaches and getting some good performances out of their teams.

Chris Chester lead Hull KR to the Challenge cup final in 2015 before being released by the Robins early in 2016 but since his arrival Wakefields peformances have picked up and after a successful Easter will be looking keep the good form going on Saturday.

Ian Watson has got Salford playing a great style of rugby and is growing into the role. With Tim Sheens assisting him as Director of Football the partnership seems to be going great at the moment and after a good win away at Huddesfield on Bank Holiday Monday will travel to Wakefield full of confidence.

Match Report Huddesfield 24 Salford Red Devils 26

Salford get back to winning ways against Huddesfield on Bank  Holiday Monday.Here is What Paul Whiteside made of the game

Huddersfield came into the game with just one win at the foot of the table. A good kick at the end of there first set of 6 from Danny Brough pinned Salford 10 metres from there own line. The Giants looked nervous and low on confidence however they were willing to throw the ball around and Salford were struggling to cope with offloads in the early stages.

Leroy Cudjoe looked dangerous but knocked on after a half break. The Giants piled the pressure on after a brilliant 40/20 kick from Danny Brough. Salford defended thee sets of six on their line after the Giants forced a drop out.

Courageous defence from the Reds was the order of the day and we survived.  Salford finally got some possession and a good burst from Ben Murdoch Masalla wasn't rewarded as he was just held short.  The try was coming though and Craig kopzack burst on to the ball to score. Gareth O Brien dragged the kick wide and Salford lead. 0-4.

Junior Sau was penalised for a high tackle but Salford again defended manfully. Another Huddesfield Giants penalty and Danny Broughs kick to touch set up an attack ten meters out. Salfords defence was finally breached as Ukumu Ta'ai scored. Danny Brough kicked the goal and Huddesfield lead 6-4.

Salford's pack started to make inroads into the Huddesfield defence which allowed Michael Dobson to put a huge kick in the air. The ball was allowed to bounce and allowed Jake Wood to feed Gaz O Brien who scooted over to score. Michael Dobson converted and Salford were in front again. 6-10.

A Problem from kickoff developed when Michael Dobson  knocked on. This  allowed the Huddesfield chance to build a attack.  Great defence under pressure from Salford and Adam Walne comes up with a ball steal to get us out of trouble.

Danny Brough probed the Salford defence all afternoon  responded with a teasing kick outwide, Josh Griffin goes for the intercept and misses the ball completely allowing Jake Connor an easy score. Brough adds the goal and Huddesfield go into half time with a  12-10 lead

. The second half was action packed! Quick hands from Salford move the ball out to the wing and Mason Caton Brown is away passing inside to Josh Griffin who races in for a lovely Salford try. Michael Dobson adds the goal and the Reds take the lead 12-16.
Salford really now starting to control the play Craig Kopzack running his blood to water in another outstanding performance from the leader of the pack of the pack. Michael Dobson wisely adds a penalty goal 12-18.

The Giants are back on the front foot and build pressure Danny Brough chased his own kick to catch Justin Carney in goal and the drop out was forced. Ryan Brierley finds Leroy Cudjoe with a neat pass and Jermaine McGillvary somehow squeezes in at the corner. The ever reliable Brough kick from the touch line and its all square 18-18.

The pressure mounts on Salford and Gareth o Brien kicks out on the full at the end a set of six allowing  the Giants opportunity to attack.
Unfortunately for Salford Ukuma Ta'ai is put through the gap to score again for Huddesfield.   Danny Brough kicks the straight forward conversion and Huddesfield lead 24-18.

Salford  showed grit and a steely determination building pressure with  a repeat set hauled themselves of the canvas and back in the game. Justin Carney scoring in the corner. Gaz O Brien missed the difficult conversation and it's anyone's game at 24-22 Giants.
Then  the game breaking moment Ben Murdoch Masila makes a terrific break passing to young Niall evalds who races away and finishes brilliantly to score a great try in the corner. The Salford supporters erupt behind the stick as the Reds hit the front yet again. Michael Dobson fails to convert 24-26 Salford.

Salford deal what the Giants throw at them in the final few minutes to clinch a vital two points in a very tight  contest! Salford have now won there last three visits to the John Smiths stadium. The Reds had to do a lot of defending today and worked very hard to get the win. We can go to Wakefield on Saturday with renewed confidence.

BIG MATCH PREVIEW - Huddesfield Giants V Salford Red Devils

Salford Red Devils travel to Huddesfield Giants this Bank Holiday Monday looking to get back to wining ways, Dan Robinson takes us though the teams, the stats and where the battle will be won and lost

Key Battles

Ryan Brierley v Michael Dobson

The battle of the scrum halves will be very important in Mondays fixture. Will youth win in Ryan Brierley or will Michael Dobson be the general we all know he can be. Ryan Brierley's move from Leigh to the Giants was no shock as there half back options have suffered this season so far. With the loss of Robinson (retired) and Ellis to injury Brierley will certainly look to cement the 7 spot in the Giants team. Although he is a young halfback he has a vast amount of experience in the game having been a key player in Leigh's recent successes. Playing against the team he supports on Monday will he look to make a good impression on the Giants fans

Michael Dobson has been a bit hit and miss for me so far this season. Has has had some fantastic performances against Saints and Castleford but seems to have lost his way since the partnership of him andRob Lui has been broken with a lengthy lay off for Lui. Can Dobson step up from a disappointing performance on Friday and lead us around the park and get the 2 points on offer come Monday

Craig Huby v George Griffin

Craig Huby has been a good addition to the Huddesfield giants since his arrival from Castleford. The no nonsense powerful forward takes a few players to bring him down and also has a great offloading side to his game. Our middle will certainly have there hands full at the John Smith Stadium if this man gets on the front foot.

George Griffin has been a revelation this season. Not really known for his leadership quality he has really stood up and been counted with some strong performance and a couple of tries to his name. He will need to have a really solid performance on Monday to match the Giants pack to make sure we get on the front foot.

Danny Brough V Gaz O'Brien

Danny Brough is by far the person the Giants miss the most when he's not in the team. When he has a good game the Giants normally come out winners and by a good margin. He is probably one of the best kickers in general play there has ever been in super league and if we can keep him quiet like we did last season at the Giants we will have a great chance to get the 2 points.
The main story with O'Brien leading into the game is will he play at full back or at stand off. This season he has been outstanding at full back for the Red Devils but hasn't really stepped up to the stand off role since Rob Lui has been injured. With Tommy Lee possibly out for Monday O'Brien may find himself covering both positions in the game at full back and Stand off. Let's hope he can help Dobson and boss the team around the park.

Stats

Both Teams are full of potential game winners and try scorers. The absence of Greg Johnson for Salford will be a big blow but with Josh Griffin and Junior Sau still a threat in attack the Huddesfield Giants will need to be on top defensively to keep Salford at bay.

Jemaine Mcgillvary is Huddesfields  most dangerous try scorer, with pace and power he will test the Salford defence all game, with Jake Connor and Larn Patrick both good try scorers the Red Devils will need to marshal the Huddesfield attack for the full 80 minutes.

The 2nd game over Easter is always a difficult one for the players physically, this means the battle for  territory will be very important. Salfords top meter maker Jusin Carney will again be looking to make big inroads into the Huddesfield  defence. Josh Griffin and Jones will also provide go forward for the Red Devils.

Huddesfield are a team full of big  strong athletes and  Salford will need to stop the go forward of Sam Rapira and Leroy Cudjoe if they are to put Huddesfield on the back  foot.

Defence is always important in any game. Salford will be  without Tommy Lee  and his absence will be a big Loss for the Red Devils. George Griffin and Craig Kopczak are a solid foundation for a defence effort to be built on by the Reds.

Huddesfields Ryan Hinchcliffe and U Ta'ai are the back bone to the Huddesfields defencive effort. Both Strong in this area Salford will need to find a way of breaking them down if they are to breach the Huddesfield defence.

Squad

With 2 games in quick succession and injuries beginning to hurt the Salford Red Devils Ian Watson has a decision to me made regarding selection. Tommy Lee and Greg Johnson are both top performers for the Red Devils and their absence leaves a big hole in Salfords starting 13.

We wait to see who Ian  Watson picks but  for now here is Salfords and Huddesfields squad  for bank holiday Monday.

Don't forget to tune in to our easter special  on Saturday to talk about the Huddefield game and our big interview with Neil Blackburn from the Salford Red Devils Foundation about their big Rugby festival against Leeds in a few weeks time. 

Salford Red Devils 12 Catalan Dragons 26 Match Report

Salfords Good Friday ended in defeat to Catalan Dragons, here is what Paul Whiteside thought about the performance

Salford were back in action at the AJ Bell stadium with Catalan Dragons the visitors.
Gareth O Briens kick off didn't go the ten meters so the Dragons were awarded an early penalty. The pressure was built and Salford were forced to drop out. Poor defending and a lovely cut out pass from Todd Carney found Tony Giggot who forced his way over. Pat Richards missed the kick and it was  0-4 Catalan.

The opening stages were tight as both teams traded sets. Good quick hands from Craig Kopzack saw Tommy Lee just held short of the line. Michael Dobson put a nice kick through forcing the Dragons to drop out. Excellent work from Gaz O Brien put Josh Griffen over out wide  Gaz O Briens kick missed the conversion and the scores were level.

The Dragons were gaining in confidence and looking the better side. Remi Casty was unlucky not to score as he lost the ball over the line. A high shot from Logan Tomkins on Remi Casty resulted in a penalty and with good field position and poor defence at marker allowed Eloi Pelissier a way over for a real soft try. Pat Richards converted for Catalan  lead 4-10.

Catalan then added a penalty goal to edge them further ahead 4-12. Salford were getting back in the contest. A Catalan knock on allowed Salford to hack the ball forward with quick thinking from  Michael Dobson on the free play sent Greg Johnson away. After a bit of pressure Salford are unlucky not to make more of the opportunity in the end.

As the hooter sounded Salford trailed 4-12 at half time and the fans were hoping for better in the 2nd half. It was a slow start to the second half from Salford who were really struggling at half back without the injured Robert Lui and also losing make shift stand off Tommy Lee to injury.

Gareth O Brien knocked on from a high kick and Catalan started to apply real pressure on the Salford defence, a great team effort sent David Taylor in to touch when he looked certain to score. Salford got some good field position and Josh Jones failed to capitalise spilling the ball close to the line as Salford looked to be getting on top.

Unfortunatley the game turned Catalans way when  Justin Carney and Gareth O Brien fail to deal with another high kick allowing David Taylor to score for Catalan. Pat Richards converted to extend their lead to 4-18.

Salford struck back when Catalan Fullback Tony Giggot knocked on. Quick thinking from Logan Tomkins sent  speedy Greg Johnson over in the corner to score with a measured kick.  Gaz O Brien misses the goal and Salford trailed 8-18. Salford were starting to find their feet in the game, they built some pressure and after back to back penalties allowed a sweeping team move to sent Greg Johnson over again.

 Gaz O Brien failed to convert again from outwide but Salford were in the hunt for the points despite trailing 12-18.  Unfortunately from kick off  Junior Sau came up with a knock on and after some ill discipline Pat Richards wisely kicked a penalty goal for the Catalan Dragons  and they extended their lead to  12-20.

Salfords forwards had been mauled all afternoon by the Catalan Dragons pack and on a day with perfect conditions had come up with far to many individual errors. Another mistake by Salford  while they were passing the ball wide allowed David Taylor to races in for a easy try. Pat Richards again converted and the final hooter sounded and Salfords Good Friday ended in 12-26 defeat

#

Ian Watson had a few words to say in the press conference after

"We made a lot of fundamental errors. if you don't complete with the ball you don't score"

"We have picked up a couple of injuries they will be assessed tonight. Greg Johnson and Tommy Lee have both knocked their knees"

"Our organisation wasn't great today, we were doing it well earlier in the season and we didn't do that today"

"We conceded a few soft tries now and that shouldn't be happening its a concentration thing"

It's a short turn around for Ian Watson and Tim sheens as Salford are back in action away at Huddersfield Giants in Monday.

Tune into our Easter special podcast on Saturday to see what me, Rob Parkinson and Paul Parkin has to say about this defeat a special interview with Neil Blackburn from the Salford Red Devils Foundation about their big Rugby festival and preview the Huddesfield game on Sunday

Big Match Preview Salford Red Devils v Catalan Dragons

Big Match Preview Salford Red Devils V Catalan Dragons

Good Friday Salford Red Devils Take on the Catalan Dragons, Here is out big match preview

KEY BATTLES

GLEN STEWART

Glean Stewart is experienced back rower with great skills and strong defence. He  made more than 200 NRL appearances and is key player in that Catalan pack. Salford will need to be a well drilled side to stop Stewart providing a action packed full 80 minutes.

Ben Murdoch Masila has been in great form for Salford, the powerful forward to be looking to win the physical battle in the middle to get Salford on the front foot.

                                                   DAVE TAYLOR

The Battle of the front rows will be explosive. Craig Kopzak has been a inspiration since he signed for Salford with a 100% effort and commitment in every game he has played.

Dave Taylor is a experienced Australian who will be looking to get the Catalan pack moving forward.

Both players are very important to their own teams.

                                                                                               TODD CARNEY

With the forward battle being key this game may be decided on a big of magic in the midfield.

Gaz Obriens switch to standoff to replace the injured Robert Lui give him the opporinity to dictate play. With a great kicking game also Obrien will be hoping to have the magic touch both in his feet and in his hand to get Salford the result.

Todd Carney is Catalan Dragaons most creative player, back in Australia he suffered from ill discipline off the field but since playing in the South of France he has settled into the Catalan Team and become their "go to man" in many situations.

A moment of magic from either player could win the game for either team. 

 

                                RICHIE MYLER

Both scrum halfs will be looking to have big impact on Good Fridays game, with their contrasting styles of play it will be a interesting battle.

Michael Dobson is Salfords rugby league general, probing and getting the team around the field with creative passing and a great kicking game. His organisational skills will be a key aspect in this battle.

Ex Salford player Myler may receive a hostile welcome form the Salford fans after he left the club under a cloud to to go Warrington but few fans can disagree he can be a match winner on his day.

Pace to burn and a ability to spot a gap in the defence Salford will need to be on top defensively to stop Myler.

Stats

Catalan Dragons have a huge set of forwards and will be looking make big inroads into Salford territory.  David Taylor is Catalan Dragons main meter maker and with help from Baitieri and Bosquet the Dragons dominant forward game will be a big feature in the game.
With Salfords Strength being out wide Salfords forwards will need to put up a fight in the huge battle up front. Craig Kopcak and George Griffin will carry the fight to the Catalan outfit and will not take a step back over the 80 minutes.

Defence for both teams will be important in this game. Tommy Lee is leading by example with a top class tackling display this season as well as Craig Kopcak who is fast becoming a fans favourite.
Glen Stewart is Catalans main defender and Willi Mason will add extra size and power to the Catalan Pack. Salford will need to test them for the full 80 minutes.

Both Sides have strike players out wide who can turn a game. Josh Griffin who is in great form so far this season is Salfords main threat with Greg Johnson and Junior Sau also looking to increase their try tally for 2016 Salford will be dangerous  on Friday.

Catalan have the  quality outwide to cause Salford pain  all afternoon, Ex Red Jodie Broughton will be looking to score the tries that made him a fans favourite at Salford as well as Pat Richards who can be a dangerous goal kicker and try scorer.

Ian Watson has two games over the Easter period so will squad rotation come into play? here is is 19 for the Catalan Game

• Jusin Carney
• Michael Dobson
• Niall Evalds
• Mark Flannigan
• Carl  Forster
• G Griffin
• Josh Griffin
• Greg Johnson
• Josh Jones
• Phil Joseph
• Craig Kopczack
• Ben Murdock Massala
• Gaz Obrien
• Junior Sau
• Mark Sarsfield
• Logan Tomkins
• Adam Walne
• Tommy Lee
• Oli Krasniqi

Hull KR 44 Salford 30

Salford travelled to East Hull in good spirits after last weeks away win at Castleford. Paul Whiteside was there for the Devil in the Detail and this is what he thought of the performance.

  It was a good solid start for Salford with a high shot on Ben Murdoch Masila and Hull KR cracked under the following Salford pressure,  Craig kopczak charging over under the posts, Gareth O Brien adding the goal and Salford lead 6-0 .

Josh Mantellato tried a high hanging kick off and Hull KR were back in possession. The pressure started to build on Salford and Greg Johnson was trapped in goal after a neat kick through. Very soft defence and a possible double movement in the build up but Maurice Blair was not to be denied.  Josh Mantellato added the conversation and the scores were level.

After a good start Salford looked comfortable but as soon as Hull KR got a sniff they turned the game on its head. Ben Cockyane hit a great line and darted through beating Niall Evalds and Justin Carney before sending Iain Thornley in at the corner. Josh Mantellato converted and Salford trailed 12-6.

 Hull Kingston Rovers were doing the basics and growing in confidence three forwards running with real purpose. Niall Evalds came up with a knock on from a kick and Hull KR kept the ball alive on the free play allowing Maurace Blair to send Graham Horne over for a try. Josh Mantellato again kicking the goal 18-6 and Salford were shell shocked.

A mixture of poor defending and quick hands from Hull  KR sends over to Ken Sio score in the corner. Josh Mantellato misses the conversation and Hull KR lead 22-6. Josh Mantellato was beginning to punish Salford with his kicking game and Greg Johnson was trapped in goal again. Hull KR built pressure as Salford's frustration was there for all to see giving away a silly penalty for a high tackle. Hull KR decide to kick for goal and Mantellato converted to make it 24-6.

Salford's defence through the middle was battered as Hull KR bumped off tackles with alarming ease! James Greenwood strolls in for another try soon after.  Josh Mantellato adding the goal and it was 30-6 half time.

Salford needed a quick response at the start of the second half and we got it through George Griffin. Michael Dobson burst through passing to Josh Griffin on his shoulder who charged under the posts to the delight of the travelling Salford faithful. Gaz O Brien adding the goal 30-12. Moments later  George Griffin was at it again running a great line to storm over for a try.. Gaz o Brien again kicking the extra two. 30-18 and Salford were flirting with a great comeback.

Josh Mantellato misses a penalty and Salford created a thrilling break, Junior Sau and Jusin Carney linked up  then Niall Evalds passed to Michael Dobson on the opposite wing before Josh griffin flicked a great ball out to Greg Johnson to finish brilliantly for the try of the game.

Salford now have the momentum as Hull KR look shattered. Gaz O Brien converts from the touch line and it was 30-24 with lots of time to go. Now for the game changing moment. Niall Evalds makes a break but spills the ball in difficult circumstances Hull KR break away and score with Ryan Shaw. Josh Mantellato adds the goal 36-24.

Salford were desperately chasing the game give away a penalty for a high tackle and Josh Mantellato wisely kicks the two points 38-24. Josh Griffin who worked hard all afternoon makes a good break only to be tackle 10 yards short. Hull KR  are righty penalised for holding down. Hard working Craig kopczak goes over for a try and Gaz o Brien faultless with the boot for the second week running adds the goal 38-30.

It's to little to late for Salford and Hull KR go in again right in the hooter with Matty Marsh. The impressive Josh  Mantellato adds the goal. A very disappointing afternoon on Humberside for Salford yet again. We left  ourselves far to much to do today underestimating a tough committed Hull KR side. With two big games coming up over Easter we turn are focus to Catalan Dragons at home on good Friday.

Ian Watson was not happy with the performance:

"We didn't start the game well at all.
Certain individuals weren't doing their role in the team. If certain individuals are not prepared to play, that's what happens.
They started completing their sets at 100 per cent and that makes it hard to defend against.
We're an honest group and we spoke honestly about the first half where people were letting us down. We put it to the players and they agreed"

Big match preview - Hull KR v Salford Red Devils

Salford Red Devils travel to Hull KR after a Morale boosting win against Castleford Tigers, Dan Robinson Looks forward to the Clash and talks about where the game will be won and lost on Sunday.

The Big four battles

Ken Sio v Niall Evalds

Hull KR full back Ken Sio has been very good for the Robins this season despite there bad run of form. He is joint leading try scorer at the club so far this season and can really kick on with pace.  For me he is a player we must watch out for come Sunday 3pm

Young Niall looks to be in position to start a game for the first time this season in his recognised spot at fullback with Gaz O'Brien moving to partner Dobson. We all know what this lad is capable of and will no doubt look to start where O'Brien has left off . The fast running fullback can turn a game on its head with some key runs and good positioning in defence and attack.

Keiron Dixon v Greg Johnson

Keiron Dixon has the speed to out run any defence on his day.  Joint top try scorer at the club this season he will be a key player for Hull KR if they are to not only win on Sunday but try to make the top 8 playoffs   In recent seasons he has come under fire for some performances in the full back position and was moved on to the wing by former  coach Chris Chester to try and turn chances into points.   The winger centre partnership to face him this weekend will have to keep a close eye on him.

Greg Johnson has been a key player for the Devils in the time he has been with the club. A point scoring, hard running winger has been given a chance at the start of the season due to Daniel Vidot being injured. He will be a dangerman on Sunday for Salford.

Josh Manatellato v Josh Griffin

The battle of the Josh's will be a key figure in Sunday's fixture. Mantellato return to the Rovers team and will no doubt strengthen there play in defence, attack and their kicking game.  The big Italian is powerful under a high ball and has a great turn of pace from a standing start. If the Devils can keep him busy in defence he may tire which is when we can look to target the winger.

Josh Griffin has been ever present this season so far with some out standing performances especially last weeks win at the Castleford Tigers. His partnership with Jusin Carney on the wing has been ruthless in attack and defence.   Can he continue to build on a great start to the campaign? We certainly hope so come 3pm on Sunday

Adam Walker v Craig Kopczak

Adam Walker has been a consistent performer this season and leads the way being in the top 3 metre makers for the club in 2016.   His strong running takes at least 2 players to bring him down and also has a good off loading side to his game. If he can lead from the front in the Hull KR pack then that will give them a good platform for the backs to try and takes some chances if they come their way.

 Craig Kopczak has been a fantastic performer for the Devils having come over the Pennines from the Huddesfield Giants in the off season. With a 166 tackles so far this season he has impressed both in attack and defence and you can see the difference he makes when he is on the field.  If we can keep him injury free this season I believe he will continue to be a big contribution to the Red Devils pack.

Stats

Defence will be a important aspect of the game for both both side, Salfords forwards are solid defensively with Captain Tommy Lee, Craig Kopczak and George Griffin will be working hard to keep the Rovers at bay.

Adam Walker, Maurace Blair and James Green have plenty of effort and commitment in defence which is what will be needed on Sunday afternoon.

Sunday both teams will be looking forward to making big yards up the field to build pressure on their opponents, Salford will be hoping that their success in this department will continue.  Jusin Carney Josh Griffin and Josh Jones  have punched big holes in opposition defences this season and they are hoping for more of the same on Sunday.

Hull Kr have struggled to make a impression  in terms of territory this season, Kevin Sio is their big meter maker as well as ex Red Ian Thornley and Ian Walker will be looking to get Rovers on the front foot.

To win games you need to score tries and both teams have strike power to hurt any opposition.  Salfords back division is full of tries with Josh Griffin leading the way.  Junior Sau, Greg Johnson and Niall Evalds will test the Rovers defence all afternoon.

Hull KR have not been  as prolific as in previous seasons but still are a threat. Keiron Dixon is still one of the best try scorers in Superleague as is Maurace Blair when given space can hurt teams.

"Its was massive for us to win on Sunday, it showed we'd learnt from the two close losses the weeks before. Hull KR  are a threat especially when  they are at home. They are a tough team to play.

"Hull  KR holds a special place in my heart and everyone connected has been great with me over the years, I'm looking forward to hopefully playing my part in turning the club around starting with Salford on sunday"


Teams

Old Boys Club

Michael Dobson and Ian Thornley Will be returing to former clubs on Sunday. Both player are important for their current clubs and it will be interesting who will be celebrating come sunday night.

On sunday both teams will be looking for victory for different reasons, Salford to continue their good form and push for a top 8 spot and Hull KR to kick start the season.

Tune into this weeks podcast below to listen to all the big match build up and rugby league chat

https://soundcloud.com/devil-in-the-detail-srd/the-devils-tame-the-tigers-at-the-jungle-n-chat