Big match preview Salford V Castleford

Salford take on Castleford Tigers at the AJ bell on Friday, both teams play attractive rugby at times and this game could be a thriller. Dan Robinson takes you though both teams, the stats and where the game could be wo and lost.

The Battles

Its going to be a huge battle between these two players, both strong both in attack  and defence. Salford and Castleford will be looking to give both players early ball to cause damage.

Both fullbacks are so important to their sides, both slight in stature but both equally as dangerous when givne space in the attacking line. Will be a interesting battle who comes out on top on Friday

Dobson v Gale is a key battle, both players create so much for both sides and are key members of the team.

Salford are full of attacking talent and with Junior Sau

in top form at the moment he will be the dangerman for

Castleford to look out for on Friday night

With Solomona out injured for Castleford

their attacking threat is Jake Webster and Luke Dorn.

Both players are great try scorers and Salford will need to be on form to keep them quiet

 

The meter makers will be important on Friday, with Carney absent Salfords go forward will be the responsibility of Junior SAU and Josh Jones to get Salford on the front foot.
Webster and Mckeenan for Castleford will need to work extra hard with Solomona out for Castleford to produce go forward for the Yorkshire men.

Defence will be a key area on Friday
Salford have Logan Tomkins, Craig Kopzak and George Griffin
who will be looking to secure the Salford defence against this
attacking Castleford line up

Castlefords defence will need to be tight in this game and the
responsibility is in the hands of Milner, McShane and Mcmeeken to
defend well

Match report Salford 30 Huddesfield 31

Salford were beaten in a emotial night  at the AJ Bell stadium by Huddesfield Giants and Rugby league came together to moan the loss of Ronan Costello. Paul takes you through the action

The Giants had sacked there coach Paul Anderson in the week so Andy Kelly was in charge. Salford get of to the perfect start as Craig Kopzack steams on to a pass to charge over against his former club. Gareth o Brien kicked the goal and Salford lead 6-0.

From the kick off Justin Carney comes up with the error to gift the Giants possession. They force a drop out and on the repeat set score in the corner through Jake Connor. Danny Brough misses the goal. 6-4.

Salford start to up the tempo and with a teasing kick out wide from Robert lui Giants spill the ball but Salford can't capitalize . 

Salford start to apply the pressure and get another set when a penalty is awarded for a high tackle on Ben Murdoch Masila. It's frustrating for the Reds as Gareth o Brien knocks on and the chance is gone.

Masila makes an error in his own half and the Giants put Salford on the back foot and a drop out is forced after a clever kick. Ukuma Ta'ai forced his way over from the resulting set showing great strength with plenty of defenders round him. Brough kicks the goal to edge the Giants ahead 6-10.

 From the next set of six Huddersfield break away again after good work from half back Jamie Ellis. Leroy Cudjoe is on the end of it to touch down. Danny Brough adds the goal 6-16 after half an hour. 

Just before the break Salford work the ball really well and Gareth o Brien who could have probably scored himself gives it Daniel Vidot to squeeze in the corner. Fantastic kick off the touch line from O Brien and its 12-16 at half time.

At the start of the second half Salford turn down the opportunity to kick a penalty goal. After 50 minutes Danny brough wins a penalty and from 30 yards out is successful to edge the Giants to 12-18.

Salford then get a lucky break as Justin Carney knocks on a high bomb but receives the penalty to stop the Giants scoring. The Reds make good ground and Josh Jones gets the try and it's well deserved for Josh after another hard working display. O Brien is good with the conversion and it's all level again 18-18.

The Giants hit back as a lovely short pass from architect Brough to Eorl Crabtree and he spins out of the tackles to reach out to score, Brough kicks from under the posts and Huddesfield lead 18-24 with 18 minutes to play.

 On the next set of six another thrilling Giants break after good work from Ellis sees them scorch 60 meters up the pitch with Joe Wardle finishing the move off, Brough kicks the goal and its 18-30 Huddesfield. 

It then gets worse for Salford as Justin Carney gets sin binned for a professional foul and with ten minutes left Danny Brough wisely drops a goal to edge Huddesfield further ahead 18-31.

The Reds hit back on the 74th minute great work again from the hard working Josh Jones who grabs his second try o Brien again kicks off the touch line 24-31.

Salford aren't finished yet as good quick hands sets Vidot up for his second try with three minutes left! O Brien faultless with the boot kicks again off the touch line. 30-31. 

It's set for a big finish but the Reds come up with a knock on as Huddersfield get a vital win. 

Another poor display from Salford who didn't deserve the win tonight. It's going to be tough to make the top 8 now with only 4 games remaining. There is now game next weekend due to the challenge cup. Next action is friday the first of July at home to Castleford. On a disappointing night it finished Salford 30 Huddersfield 31.

Big Match preview Salford v Huddesfield

Salford Red Devils take on the Huddesfield Giants on Friday night at the AJ Bell. Dan Robinson takes you through the potential match winners and stats for the game.

Battles

Battle 1

Lui V Brough

Rob Lui has been the main play maker for the Red Devils this season so far and can turn a game in an instant. Friday's game will be a good game for Lui to show the Home support how vital he is for the team.

We're all aware what Danny Brough can do for the Giants and with him in the side the Giants are going to looking to try and make the top 8. If the Red Devils can limit his actions in the game and keep him busy in defence then they have every chance of getting the double over the visitors.

Battle 2

Carney V Mcgillvary

The thing on the wing will look to try and out strength his rival this weekend. The top metre maker for the Reds and in super league has been a great strength in the side and has been missed when he has been out of the team. If the backs can get the ball to him im sure he will look to make the points count come Friday

With 14 try's to his name on 2016 Mcgillvary has been a light in a dark tunnel for the Giants this season. He also likes to come in from the wing and make some good ground up the middle as does Carney. This for me will be a great battle to watch and one that both players will be looking forward to.

Battle 3

Kopczak V Crabtree

2 ex teams mates come head to head for the second time this season. Kopczak has been a stand out for the home side in 2016 and has really lead from the front. His no nonsense runs and defence had been the reason why the Devils have won the battle upfront in most home games this season. Hopefully he can get one over again on his former employers.

Crabtree is a big powerful front rower and brings a whole new meaning to a Giant from Huddersfield. For me this seasons he hasn't been as good for the visitors then he has been in recent seasons and hasn't reached his potential and capabilities in 2016. Hopefully the Reds big pack with the likes of Masilla, Kopczak and Hauraki can all be a Jack the giant slayer at the AJ Bell on Friday.

stats

Defence will be key area for Salford on Friday, George Griffin has been outstanding in defence this season and with Logan Tomkins and Craig Kopczak the fans are hoping for another solid performance from the team.

Salford have lots of try scorers in the team, Top try scorer Junior Sau will be looking to add to his total this season and with Nial Evalds and Justin Carney Salford have plenty of tries in their team.

Justin Carney is a dangerous try scorer but also a great metre maker for Salford, with Junior Sau and Josh Jones making big metres go forward will be important

Huddesfield

Jamaine McGuillary is Huddesfields top try scorer and will be a danger to Salford.

Michael Lawrence is Huddesfields main defensive unit, Salford will need to work him hard

Huddesfield have players who can make good go forward and will need to be policed on Friday

Salford v Huddersfield form guide. 

In super era played 35 with 17 wins each.

Last 4 home games

2012 lost 20-30

2013 won 21-20

2014 lost 22-42

2015 lost 0-19

19 Man Squad to face @Giantsrl JakeBibby Justin Carney Michael Dobson  Mark Flanagan George Griffin Wella Hauraki  Josh Jones Phil Joseph Craig Kopczak Oli Krasniqi Ryan Lannon  Rob Lui Ben Murdoch Murdoch

 Gaz O’Brien  Junior S'au Logan Tomkins Daniel Vidot Jordan Walne Ryan Williams - There you have this week's 19.

Huddesfield 19

Scott Grix, Jemaine Mcgillvary, Leroy Cudjoe, Joe Wardle, Danny Brough, Jamie Ellis, Eorl Crabtree, Tom Symonds, Michael Lawrence, Kyle wood, Sam Rapira, Ukuma Tai, Jake Connor, Josh Johnson, Kruise leeming, Nathan Mason, Oliver Roberts, Tyler Dickinson, Ryan Brierley

Match report Leeds Rhinos 8 Salford Red Devils 0

Salford suffered defeat against Leeds Rhinos at a Soggy Headingley  Paul Whiteside takes you though the action in a frustrating night for Salford and us fans.

Salford travelled to Leeds in good spirits after last weeks great effort looking for a first league double over Leeds since 1946. The Rhinos were very low on confidence and looked a shadow of the Grand Final winning side of last year! It was a nervous opening with Danny McGuire kicking the ball out on the full at the end of the first set. The pitch was in excellent condition but the rain  started and the pitch got slippy and the ball was fizzing around from kicks.  After 5 minutes Leeds attack from a penalty a last tackle kick form McGuire out wide it's palmed on to Luke Briscoe who scores the games opening try. Liam sutcliffe misses the kick 4-0.

From the kick off Salford pressure Leeds with some good defence and the Rhinos come up with the error. Michael Dobson puts a lovely slide rule kick through but Jake Bibby just can't ground the ball and its agonisingly close for the Salford support at the scoreboard end of the ground. The error count started to mount as the rain got worse! Rob burrow makes a break and rips through the heart of the Salford defence but his pass is poor and ends up in touch. Both sides force drop outs and repeat sets. A very tight first half ends 4-0.

It's not the best start to the second half as Salford knock on first set of six. Leeds though are not the fluent attacking force they were and fail to make it count. Michael Dobson comes up with a 40/20 kick and the reds have a great opportunity to post points. Yet again they come up with the error. 52 minutes gone and Liam sutcliffe kicks a penalty to edge Leeds to 6-0. Gareth o Brien good under the high ball fields a kick but the decides to throw a suicide pass in front of his own posts, Daniel visot some how manages to clean up the mess but concedes a drop out. 15 minutes remaining and Leeds are penalised deep in there own half for obstruction giving Salford a golden opportunity to attack.

Yet again Salford come up with a knock on. The chances keep coming as Leeds errors start to mount! Salford just can't get that try they desperately need. Gareth o Brien attempts a 40/20 but the ball sails out on the full. As the clock counts down Leeds are awarded a penalty and Sutcliffe kicks the goal as the hooter sounds. 8-0.

A very disappointing night for Salford as the headingly hoodoo continues. Leeds kept handing Salford opportunities through their mistakes but the chances were wasted. The Rhinos defended well tonight and were very difficult to break down. Salford however had the effort but sometimes a little bit more quality was needed and that was lacking tonight.   Leeds ended a 7 match losing run as once again Salford were the fall guys. Huddersfield visit the AJ Bell stadium next Friday were hopefully we can put things right. From a very wet headingly it finished Leeds 8 Salford 0

Big match preview Leeds v Salford

Friday Salford travel to Leeds and with both teams looking for a win this game has become huge.
Rob Parkinson takes you though the stats and who will be the potetial match winners on Friday night

Battles

Rob Lui v Danny McGuire

With the potential  loss of Michael Dobson to injury Salfords main attacking threat and creative hub now lies in the hands of Rob Lui. The standoff has shown moments of magic though the season and  fans are hopeful he can produce another match winning performance of Friday night in leeds.

Danny McGuire is leeds captain fantastic, though  many years he has created and scored tries that has taken Leeds Rhinos to the very top.  With Leeds strugging this season Leeds fans are hoping for a performance to kick start their season.

Craig Kopczak v Keith Galloway

Craig Kopzak has been a tower of strength in the Salford pack. He is both strong going forward and and good in defence. If he can control the middle of the field and keep the likes of Garbutt and Galloway quiet then that will be a key factor if we are to get the 2 points on offer.

Keith Galloway is an no nonsence forward for Leeds Rhinos. A New South Wales State of Origin and Australian international representative forward he has bags of experience in the big game environment.

Weller Hauraki v Brett Ferris

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.

Brett Ferris is Leeds big money signing from Huddesfield and has struggled to make a impact, a England international he is used to playing in big games and with Leeds current slump in form every game gets bigger and more pressure come on to this man to make the difference for the Rhinos.

Stats

Coaches Corner

Both Coaches will be looking to use this result as a spring board to a more successful 2nd  half of the season, Brian McDermott finds his team towards the bottom of the league and its not normally where Leeds Rhinos function.  Pressure is building on him and defeat at Salford may be the final nail in the coffin.

Ian Watson will be looking to get back to winning ways after a frustrating defeat v Wigan. with a growing injury list its how he manages his injured stars back into the team and start winning again in our quest for a top 8 spot.

Match report Salford 20 Wigan 23

Salford went down to defeat in thrilling contest at the AJ Bell stadium against Wigan Paul Whiteside takes you though the action.

Salford came into the match against Wigan looking for a third successive victory. The game started at a real fast tempo with both sides really taking the game to each other. There was early pressure at both ends but it was Wigan who took the lead with a Josh Charnley try. Matty smith missed the kick and Wigan lead 0-4.

Salford were level in the 17th minute a Robert lui's kick out wide caused problems for Wigan  Jake Bibby with some real quick thinking grubbers into the in goal for Michael Dobson to pounce on the ball to score! The kick is wide from Dobson.

Salford start to up the pace with Josh Jones and Justin Carney running the ball well and making breaks. Another Lui bomb which causes real panic, Sam Tomkins failed to collect the ball  Salfords Craig Kopzack seized the opportunity to send Michael Dobson under the sticks. The crafty scrum half kicks the goal to put Salford 10-4 ahead and it's well deserved.

Wigan concede a penalty deep in there own half, Dobson decided to take a shot at goal but dragged his kick wide. Matty Smith droped out from the 20 meter mark and it's a huge kick that Salford failed to deal with and it goes dead in goal. Wigan received the drop out and worked the ball well with Ryan Sutton going over with Matty smith kicking the goal the scores again are tied  at 10-10  32 minutes on the clock.

It was still end to end action with both sides looking really dangerous with the ball. The last play of the first half was a clever one. Right on the hooter Matty smith drops a goal to send the Warriors in at half time leading 10-11.
Ten minutes in to the second half and Logan Tomkins is denied a try for a double movement. Wigan though hit back in clinical style Josh Charnley grabing his second try , smith fails with the kick and wigan lead 10-15.

Wigan really starting to apply the pressure and Justin Carney knocked on close to the Salford line. Good defence from the Red Devils as they conceded a drop out. Wigan are awarded a penalty for a high tackle and smith kicks the goal 10-17. Salford desperately needed some points and look to have a life line with a penalty. Looking to make good ground we failed to make touch and Wigan are off the hook.  With 15 minutes to play  Josh Charnley goes in for his hat trick it's a real hammer blow for battling Salford. Smiths kick hits the post and goes over 10-23.

Michael Dobson is struggling after taking a knock to his leg. With ten minutes to go Salford force a drop out and start to press. Dobson hobbles off after working tireless yet again for the cause. Some lovely hands and great foot work from Josh Jones as he races in for a well deserved try. Rob lui kicks the goal 16-23 with 7 minutes left.

Salford are really testing Wigan keeping the ball alive! Fantastic ball movement again and Daniel Vidot some how gets down low to score in the corner. Robert lui rushes the conversion with time running out and fails. 20-23

The referee Gareth Hewer stops the clock with 1minute 45 seconds left. It's a grandstand finish Salford are roared on by there fanatical support. Justin Carney puts a kick out wide with seconds remaining. Junior Sau can't get to it and the hooter sounds. A fantastic match but Wigan just had enough tonight. Salford battled bravely but just came up short and have a few injury concerns for next weeks trip to Headingly. Leeds away next as we look for a first league double over the rhinos since 1946 .