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