Big match preview Salford Red Devils V Wigan Warriors

Salford Red Devils take on Wigan Warriors at the AJ Bell stadium on Friday in a epic encounter fans are looking forward too. Dan Robinson takes you through to watch out for on Friday night

Battles Gaz O'Brien V Sam Tomkins

O'Brien has been one of Salfords best performers this season so far and has made that number 1 spot his own. With a fantastic conversion rate from the utility back O'Brien will need to be 100% from the boot on Friday night to make sure the Reds come out on top.
Tomkins comes into the game having only just got back to full fitness following his injury after signing from the New Zealand Warriors. We're all aware of what he can do both in attack and defence so if the Reds big guns can keep him busy and make him defend this will hopefully see the Reds victorious.

Another key player for the Reds this season is front rower Craig Kopczak. For me he has been a fantastic leader on the field and really does get the Reds rolling down the park with some powerful runs. With 470 tackles to his name this season he really controls the middle of the defensive line. I can see him having a big part to play on Friday.

Ben flower has also been a key player for the Warriors this season. With the on field issue during last seasons grand final behind him he will look to lead the Warriors forwards up the middle to make way for their talented back line. This battle between him and Kopczak will be a good one to watch.

Junior Sau and Dan Sarginson are 2 centres really having a good season especially Sau with 12 tries and over 1500 metres under his belt he is really having a great season in the Devils jersey. This battle with him an Sarginson is also in great form for Wigan will really be a fascinating encounter to watch.

stats

There is huge belief coming into this game that Salford may get into the top 8 at the end of the sesason despite having 6 poins deducted earlier this season.

Games like this against Wigan on Friday will go a long way to shaping Salfords superleague destiny.

Match Report Salford 38 Wakefield 8

The Red Devils enjoyed victory again this time against Wakefield as they try and  get back  into the top 8 of superleague. Paul Whiteside takes you though the action.
Salford came into tonight's clash with Wakefield having won the last 3 meetings at home against the visitors! Tough Salford defence and Trinity spill the ball on the opening set of the match. The Red Devils attacked and Michael Dobsons perfect kick creates a super try for Niall Evalds. Gareth O brien fails with the kick 4-0.

Michael Dobson is in great form he sent Evalds through a gap for a thrilling break Josh Jones backs up well but got caught by the defence. Wakefield start to build pressure forcing two drop outs but the Salford defence repels them. Robert Lui comes up with an interception and is in the clear but a good cover tackle from ex red Ben Jones Bishop denies him.

After 28 mins  Salford defence is  finally broken as Anthony Tupou gets the scores level. Liam Finn misses the kick its 4-4. With five minutes to go before half time Danny Kirmond is sin binned for a trip. Salford knock on under the posts and the chance is gone! Then out of nothing youngster Ryan Lannon shows a wonderful shimmy and step and races away to score a fantastic try. O brien adds the goal 10-4. With the half time hooter about to sound Michael Dobson chances his arm and chips a kick for speedster Niall Evalds. The young winger is taken out by Jones bishop off the ball in a professional foul. Referee joe Cobb sends him to the sin bin and Wakefield are down to 11 men. The hooter sounds so o Brien opts to kick the penalty. It's a tricky one and he misses but Salford lead 10-4 at half time.

Wakefield build pressure at the start of the second half with repeat sets but Salford defend there line really well. Michael Dobson the architect orchestrates a move down the short side! Such a great thinker of the game creates space for Josh Jones who sends Mark Flanagan under the posts. O brien kick the goal to give Salford some breathing space. 16-4.

Two minutes later Rob Luis  neat kick out wide is palmed down by  Junior Sau  for Ryan Lannon to score his second try. O brien again adds the kick 22-4. A great break from Adam Walne who draws his man superbly to find Rob Lui and he races in for Salford's third try in five minutes. O brien again adds the two points 28-4.  Ben Murdoh Masila is next over the line but is held up. Gareth o Brien is then caught late by a real cheap shot from Wakefield half back Jacob Miller. He lives the field very groggily and hopefully will be ok for next week

. This doesn't upset Salford though the 2016 team is made of stern stuff. George Griffin comes on to the ball like a train and reaches out brilliantly to score a well deserved try! Dobson adds the goal 34-4. Salford make a real mess of the kick off allowing the ball to bounce and go dead. From the drop out Wakefield get over with Ben Jones Bishop. Finn misses the goal 34-8 with 13 minutes left.

The final hooter sounds but Salford keep the ball alive with so much desire. Junior Sau dives over very bravely to round off the scoring. Dobson can't convert off the touch line. A real solid win against a good in form Wakefield side to give Salford back to back wins and erase the six point deduction. Just two point behind Widnes now in 8 th place it's all to play for!

There was great spirit on show tonight with some excellent tries. Great to see the youngsters Evalds, Bibby, Walne and Lannon all playing a huge part in the win! Wigan are up next Friday in what promises to be a huge game.

Don't forget to check out our main podcast and our pop up podcast and ask will Salford  finish in the top 8

Magic Weekend Salford 18 Widnes 12

Salford had a Magic Saturday as Daniel Vidot scored twice to secure a important win against Widnes. Here is our match report from Away day RED Paul Whiteside who takes you through the action.

SALFORD came into todays match against Widnes having lost there last two meetings against the chemics at the magic weekend.

 

It was a great first set with Salford going the full length of the pitch with the pack powering there way forward. Michael Dobson put up a high kick it looked like Justin Carney was taken out but the play continues. It doesn't take long for Salford to make there mark with great hands from Junior Sau who put Daniel Vidot over in the corner for his first try for the club. Gareth O Brien is unlucky with the conversation hitting the post. 4-0.

From the next set though Salford came up with the error with Mark Flanagan knocking on deep in his own half. Widnes attacked but the defence was solid. The Vikings force a drop out and then receive penalty to add more pressure. Danger man Rhys Hanberry brushes off Michael Dobson to score a try. He adds the goal to edge the Widnes ahead 6-4 with 8 minutes gone.

From the next set the Vikings turn up the heat, a long kick on the  last tackle catches O Brien out as the ball hits him before it goes in touch to gift Widnes a scrum. From the set scrum Widnes are over again but are denied by there video referee.

Justin Carney comes up with a great tackle but is penalised and put on report. Very harsh from James Childs the referee.  Widnes attack but spill the over the try line and its a big let off for Salford. 

Stefan Marsh breaks through for the Vikings but loses the ball. The video referee is called upon as there's a possible strip from Robert Lui. Salford are favoured by the video referee again with a no try decision on the screen much to the relief of the travelling Reds army!

 

Ten minutes before the break Craig Kopczak is penalised for a ball steal Widnes attack from the penalty and Chris Bridge goes over. Hanberry misses the kick 10-4.

Just before the break Salford are penalised again this time Hanberry kicks the goal. In a tense and nervy first half Widnes lead 12-4 at the interval.

Both teams come up with errors at the start of the second half. It takes 16 minutes for the first points. After repeat sets and lots of pressure Widnes crack and carney sneaks over in the corner. O Brien kicks off the touch line 12-10 and Salford are on top.

Justin Carney was looking dangerous making a half break but lost the ball in the tackle. Twelve minutes to go and a lovely kick from Michael Dobson caused pandemonium in the Widnes defence allowing Junior Sau to palm the ball on and Vidot finishs it off with a super try. O Brien kicks brilliantly again to put Salford in front 16-12. 

Widnes are not giving up and with 8 minutes to go a try looks certain but Jusin Carney comes up with a try saver! As the clock counts down Salford are awarded a penalty in range of the posts. Gaz O Brien kicks the two to extend the lead and Salford hold on for a hard fought, gritty win.

 In a second half where Michael Dobson lead us round the pitch tremendously. Big defence stopped the Vikings momentum after the break. The support was magnificent from the army of Reds fans. The team and supporters did Josh proud in there super Josh kit! It's on to Wakefield next Friday and maybe the top eight is still there for us to grasp. Final score at st James park Salford 18 Widnes 12.

Magic Weekend preview Salford v Widnes

Magic weekend in Newcastle has arrived and Salford and Widnes face off again. Dan Robinson takes you though the teams and who may be the gamebreaker on Saturday

The thing on the wing Carney is shining for Salford this season and has been one of the players that has proved his worth in my eyes. With 2066 metres made under his belt this season so far he really does get us rolling up the park and has scored some key tries for us this season. Having signed a 3 year deal recently he has shown to the loyal Salford fans his class

Thompson an off season signing for the Vikings has to be by far one of the best signings the Vikings have done for a while. 14 tries in as many games for them he is rewarding the Vikings for sure on the field. I hope both players come Saturday entertain the crowd but for Carney to come out on top.

Hauraki has something to prove this season for me and he has started well since coming back from his lengthy time out with his injury. We all know what he is capable of going forward and hope he can find his top form for the rest of the season. I think his battle with Houston will be a very good one to watch on the toon.

Houston leads the way on the tackle cards for the Vikings and he is showing to be a solid performer for them. He does the hard work really well and isn't afraid to put his body on the line for his team. We really need to set out stall out on his on Saturday and make him aware of who he is facing

Robert Lui who has been fantastic for us since his arrival. He is a fans favourite already and dazzles us with his performances. He is one player Widnes really have to watch out for at weekend as his attacking ability is top draw 

Mellor for Widnes has made the halfback jersey his own also since joining the Vikings. He always seems to play well against us so we really have to watch out for his quick runs and kicking game. If the likes of Masila and Hauraki can keep him busy we will be ok

Link between the clubs

Phil Joseph. The big powerful front rower made 54 appearances for the Vikings scoring 2 try's. Phil has found playing time this season for the Reds limited as he has been used at prop second row and hooker. When he has played I think he has done a good job playing out of his normal position and hope if he can get a run in the team more often he can get us on the front foot in any game

Top Try scorers

Top meter makers

Squad news will be announced sometime on Thursday.

Match report Saints 34 Salford 20

A Nial Evalds hatrick wasn't enough for Salford who were defeated away at St Helens. Paul Whiteside our Away Day Red  takes you though the action

Salford travelled to langtree park looking for there first win in St. Helens since January 1980. It was a great start when Robert lui's huge bomb caused two Saints players to go for the same ball and end up making the error with a forward pass. From the scrum Salford attacked and forced the drop out from Michael Dobsons crafty grubber kick. The ball was moved from left to right at quite a pace and Niall Evalds squeezes in at the corner to score a super try. Gaz O Brien misses the goal. 0-4 after 6 minutes. 

Luke Walsh produced for Saints with a good 40/20 kick. From the scrum the pressure is built and a lovely drop off pass by Theo Fages puts Louie McCarthy Scarsbrook in under the posts. Walsh adds the goal 6-4.

Daniel Vidot steps and makes a half break but can't keep hold of the ball. Saints are applying the pressure again and Niall evalds comes to the rescue as saints force a drop out. Some weak defence near the line and Mark Percival scores Walsh misses the kick 10-4.

St. Helens are starting to click into gear but Percival's pass ends up in touch when the line was begging for Adam Swift. 

Salford start to press with three penalties on the trot but spilled the ball much to the delight of the home fans. Saints get a penalty and are on the hunt for points before the break. Salford can't hold the line and Dominic Peyroux score with Walsh adding the goal 16-4 after 37 minutes. 

Right on half time out of nothing Ben Murdoh Masila breaks through finding Evalds who races in for his second try. Another tough kick for o Brien who can't convert. The hooter sounds 16-8 half time. 

It's a scrappy start to the second half. Justin carney gets caught on the last tackle but manages to put a good kick in and the chase is excellent but Lui misses his man allowing swift to gallop down the pitch. From the next play Johnny Lomax catches us cold to sweep through the defence to touch down with Walsh adding the goal 22-8.

St. Helens spill the ball from the kick off and the fanatical Salford support roar the lads on. The ball is worked out wide and Justin Carney is in at the corner to give us some hope. Gaz o Brien kicks off the touch line to the biggest cheer of the night from the Salford faithful! 22-14.

Rob Lui again puts up a huge high kick saints cough up the ball 15 yards out and Salford build pressure with a scrum. It's a fantastic move with o Brien linking in the line brilliantly to send Niall evalds over for his hat trick. Michael Dobson slips taking the conversion but still boots it over off the touch line 22-20.

Salford are on top and looking the better side as the game goes into the final quarter. Logan Tomkins concedes a soft penalty and totally against the run of play Theo Fages works some magic to score with Walsh adding the goal to give saints done breathing space 28-20.

Michael Dobson is having a great game really leading Salford and showing some much passion. He bursts through and heads for the posts only to be stopped just short. Tomkins knocks on from the play the ball and the chance is gone. 

With 5 minutes to go Kyle Amor scores from close range to kill Salford off. Walsh kicks the goal 34-20. That's how it finished. On a night when Salford looked real dangerous when moving the ball out wide. However defence has let us down again along with individual errors. There was quite a high penalty count and some controversial decisions. We need to tighten are goal line defence for next weekends game against Widnes at the Magic Weekend. So another year goes by and we're still waiting for an elusive win in St. Helens. The support again was fantastic for Salford the fans really played there part. Full time score St. Helens 34 Salford 20. 

Challenge cup Castleford 32 Salford 18

Salfords Challenge cup dreams ended in frustrated defeat at Castleford yesterday. Paul whiteside takes you though the action

Salford travelled to Wheldon Road for the challenge cup tie against Castleford in good spirits after last week. 

It's a tense start with both sides looking nervous and desperate not to give any ground away. Salford carve out an early chance but George griffin can't take the ball and spills close to the line. 

After 8 minutes Salford take the lead Junior Sau spots a gap and charges through beating the Tigers defence to race 30 yards to score a brilliant individual try! Gareth O Brien kicks the goal. 0-6.

From the kick off Michael Dobson takes the ball out on the full. Rather unlucky but his feet were off the ground so the correct decision was drop out. Salford put themselves straight back under pressure with the error. The Tigers attack and kick out wide were Salford were vulnerable all day. Grant Millington comes up with the ball to score and Paul mcshane adds the goal and the scores are tied at  6-6.

It's almost 20 minutes before the next points when Robert Lui puts a super grubber kick and the prolific Sau is there again for his 8th try in three games. Gaz O Briens kick is good and Salford lead 6-12.

It's a real cup tie now with non stop action and played at a real pace. 5 minutes before the break and again Salford fail to deal with a high kick as Jake Webster scores. McShane kicks the goal 12-12.

From the kick off cas attack down the right. Michael Monaghan seems to stand in the tackle for so long before off loading. The Tigers keep the ball alive and score with Mike Mcmeeken. McShane again kicks the goal and despite leading twice Salford trail at half time 18-12.

Castleford come out with all guns blazing at the start of the second half. From the first set Denny Solomona goes over in the corner with Salford debutant Daniel Vidot looking to have dislodged the ball in a fine tackle. The video referee is called upon and after a good look awards the try. To say it was  a harsh decision is a understatement as the photo below shows. The game turns on this moment and Salford players and fans have every right to feel aggrieved about such a poor decision which ultimately cost them their place in the cup.

The Tigers start to throw everything at Salford. The kicks out wide causing real problems a Paul mcshane is instrumental.

It's another dangerous kick to the corner but Daniel Vidot is tackled in the air and Salford were let off the hook. 

Back to back penalties allows Salford to get on the front foot and attack the Tigers line. Robert Lui spots a gap and soars through to score. O Brien kicks the goal and Salford are right back in the match 22-18 with half an hour to play. 

The Tigers attack again playing with a real enthusiasm, Paul Mcshane bumps off some real soft tackling close to the line to score. He adds the goal and it's a ten point gap once again.

Salford are now chasing the game and start to attack. The dangerous Lui sees a gap close to the Tigers line, throws a real ambitious pass for carney but the ball ends up in touch. 

Castleford had Salford at arms length for most of the closing period. Michael Dobson desperate to get Salford back in the contest throws a lucrative pass which is intercepted by Solomona who races the full length of the pitch to cap off a good day for Castleford. McShane can't add the kick and it finished 32-18.

A real disappointment for Salford and are travelling supporters. There was a belief we could go far in the cup. It was a poor display and we were beaten in most departments which will be a concern to Ian Watson and Tim Sheens. 

It's on to St Helens on Friday. A place we haven't won at since January 1980. It's going to be tough but a win there puts us back In the hunt for the top 8. 

Paul Whiteside away day red!

Challenge cup preview Castleford V Salford Red Devils

The Challenge cup is a competition that most Salford fans want to win the most, the magic of the cup will waft over the Mend a hose jungle on Saturday and supporters of both sides will be wondering if this is the year their club reaches Wemberley.

Team news

Logan Tomkins is supended  and a injury to Josh Wood leaves Tommy Lee as Salfords only recognised hooker.  Salford may opt for Mark Flannigan in the interchange hooker role as he has filled in before but a option for Ian Watson is for Gaz Obrien to be switched from Fullback to the Hooker role with Niel Evalds reverting to his natural fullback role.

Josh Griffin is injured and will miss out but Daniel Vidot Salfords star signing  has been passed fit and will make his debut against Castleford on Saturday,

Check out what to expect from the big man on Saturday below.

https://youtu.be/M5W8SO3xeow

The big battles on Cup weekend

 Nathan Massey v Justin Carney
Well this will certainly Be a test for both players. Where really good friends at Castleford until the trouble off the field started between the players. No doubt both will want to get one over the other on Sunday. Justin Carney a strong running winger who can dazzle supporters and Nathan Massey with his big runs up front will certainly be a good battle to watch at some point in the game. Justin Carney came out on top in the league game despite being sin binned but will be another epic battle to watch.

James Webster V Junior Sau
Both players have been really consistent in their performances this season and both getting try's for their side. Junior Sau has been in good form this season and with a double hatrick in the last 2 games  he looks super fit. James Webster has been very good for Castleford, making space and breaking teams down with powerful runs. we are set to witness a good ding dong battle between the two key players.

Matt Cook V Ben Murdoch Masilla

The big guns upfront for both teams will make sunday a great battle but these two players will look to break the gain line on Sunday. Matt Cook a strong running forward who always plays on the front foot will no doubt lead his teammates up the middle of the park.Ben Murdoch Masilla having a great season so far with some big powerful performances hasn't taken a step back so far this season. Will be a great battle to watch.

Luke Gale V Michael Dobson

The battle of the scrum halfs will certainly be a good battle to watch. Both players have been pushing their side around the pitch well and both have a great kicking game. Luke Gale was a stand out player for Castleford last season and has continued this so far in 2016. Michel Dobson played a more important role this season having taken control of the team on the field. Both could be the game star on Sunday

Castleford Tigers

Tries: Solomona 14 Hitchcox 7 Webster 6

Tackles:Lynch 390 McMeeken 388 McShane 379

Metres Lynch 1416 Solomona 1204 Webster 1159

Salford Red Devils

Tries Sau 11 J.Griffin 8 Evalds 7

Tackles G.Griffin 408 Flanagan 408 Tomkins 394

Metres Carney 1931 J.Griffin 1536 Sau 1212

Salford met Castleford in their last challenge cup final in 1969. Salford were beaten 11-6.

Chris Hesketh had a try disallowed for a double movement that still sticks in the throats of many Salford fans.  See below highlights of the game.

https://youtu.be/lRsbrlDAWZQ