Super 8 Qualifiers - Featherstone Rovers

Featherstone Rovers.
Fourth in the championship.
Coach John Sharp,
Captain Tim Spears

. Signings for middle 8s, Jordan Baldwinson, Josh Walters and Luke Briscoe all from Leeds
.
Last 8 league meetings.
2008. Featherstone 30. Salford 30 2008.
Salford 42. Featherstone 12. 2003
. Salford 36. Featherstone 20. 2003.
Featherstone 18. Salford 16. 1996.
Salford 32. Featherstone 10. 1996.
Featherstone 29. Salford 10. 1996.
Salford 24. Featherstone 6. 1995.
Featherstone 16. Salford 38.

Past great players as chosen by massive featherstone supporter Andy Greenhough.

                                             ex Salford and Featherstone legend Steve Nash
Steve Nash 1971-75
Deryck Fox 1983-92
Carl Dooler 1960-69
Steve Quinn 1975-88
Don Fox 1953-65
Paul Newlove 1988-93
David Hobbs 1980-85
Brendan Tutta 1990-95 and 1999

.
Honours. Championship winners 1976/77
Challenge cup winners 1966/67, 1972/73, 1982/83
Yorkshire cup winners 1939/40, 1959/60.

Memorable match.
Championship Sunday 20th July 2008. Post office road.
Featherstone Rovers 30. Salford city reds 30.

A thrilling contest between the two sides, ex Salford forward Stuart Dickens had returned to featherstone after a season at Salford a few years earlier and had a great game. Post office road being a ground were we always seemed to struggle. We managed a win there that season in the national rail cup quarter final. The Reds lined up that day included Matt Gardner,Stuart littler,Karl Fitzpatrick,John wilshire,Robbie Paul, Luke Adamson,Malcolm alker,Craig Stapleton,Andy Ballard,Richie myler, Stephen bannister,Jordan turner,Adam sidlow, Paul Highton,Ian sibbit,Phillip leuluai and Stefan ratchford. Salford went on to top the table winning the grand final at Warrington beating Celtic and also the national rail cup beating Doncaster 60-0 at Blackpool. Featherstone went on to finish 8th that season.

                                             Qualifiers

Chances in the middle 8s. Featherstone will probably start as outsiders in the competition but are always tough to beat on there home ground. They may find it hard going away from home against super league opposition but I wouldn't write this proud club off from causing an upset on the way. There is plenty of top flight experience in John Sharps squad and I am quite sure they will be competitive. They have also bolstered there squad with three lads from Leeds ahead of the middle eights! From a Salford point of view we play them at home which is a good advantage

Super 8 Qualifiers - Huddesfield Giants

Salford Red Devils take on Huddesfield Giants in the 1st game of the middle 8s, Victory for Salford would be a huge confidence boost with other big games to come. Check out this blog in which we look at all the stats and facts for both sides.


Huddersfield Giants.
12th in the super league.
Coach Rick Stone,
captain Danny Brough
.
Last 8 league meetings.
2016. Salford 30 Huddersfield 31.
2016. Huddersfield 24 Salford 26.
2015. Salford 0 Huddersfield 19.
2015. Huddersfield 12 Salford 18.
2014. Huddersfield 10 Salford 36.
2014. Salford 22 Huddersfield 42.
2013. Huddersfield 46 Salford 4.
2013. Salford 21 Huddersfield 20.

Past great players.
Ken Loxton 1965-73
Paul Reilly 1996-2007
Danny Russell 1997-2000
Ken Senior 1962-1979
Mick Sullivan 1952-1957
Chris Thorman 2000-2002 and 2005-2008
Harold Wagstaff 1906-1925
Luke Robinson 2008-2015

Honours.
League champions, 1911/12,1912/13,1914/15,1928/29,1929/30,1948/49,1961/62
Challenge cup winners, 1912/13,1914/15,1919/20,1932/33,1944/45,1952/53.
League leaders shield 2013.

Video Highlights

Kevin Locke inspired Salford to a great win against Huddesfield in his debut for the Red Devils.

Check it out below.

Memorable match.
Super league 19th August 2011 the Willows.
Salford city Reds 24. Huddersfield Giants 18.
Tries, Danny Williams 3 Daniel Holdsworth
Goals, Holdsworth 4
Attendance 3,458.

Trailing 12-18 at half time Salford stormed back to take the points. This would be are final victory at the willows before leaving the old ground. Matt Parish was the coach that day but didn't stay long and was replaced by Phil Vievers in the close season. Salford's team that day was, Luke Patten, Jodie Broughton, Ashley Gibson, Sean Gleeson, Danny Williams, Stefan Ratchford, Daniel Holdsworth, Ray Cashmere, Matty Smith, Ryan Boyle, Mark Henry, Luke Adamson, Stephen Wild. Subs Wayne Godwin,Adam Neal, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Lee Jewitt.

                                                       QUALIFIER

Huddesfield over the last few seasons have enjoyed a very successful period, league shield winners in 2013 they are use to big games. This season  they have struggled both on and off the field and now they find themselves in the battle in the middle 8s

Huddesfield were not always a championship wining team and have been involved in relegation battles before, as a club this will help but Salford will be keen on putting in a good performance and beating the giants in this encounter.

https://soundcloud.com/devil-in-the-detail-srd/super-8-qualifiers-preview-bring-it-on

Check out this weeks podcast below for all your big match build up, news and Salford Red Devils chat

Super 8 Qualifier preview Hull KR

Hull Kingston Rovers,
11th in super league.
Coach James Webster,
captain Terry campese.

Last 8 league meetings.
2016. Salford 44 Hull KR 26
. 2016. Hull KR 44 Salford 30
. 2015. Salford 31 Hull KR 18.
2015. Hull KR 34 Salford 28.
2014. Hull KR 18 Salford 38
. 2014. Salford 16 Hull KR 16.
2013. Hull KR 28 Salford 18.
2013. Salford 38 Hull KR 34.

Past great players.
Steve Hubbard 1979-82
George Fairburn 1981-89
Clive Sullivan 1974-1981
Roger Millward 1966-1980
Phil Lowe 1967-1983
Gary Prohm 1982-1986
Paul Fletcher 1988-2005
Derek rocky Turner 1950-1955.

Major honours.
Challenge cup winners 1979/80
Championship winners 1922/23, 1924/25, 1978/79, 1983/84,1984/85.
John player trophy winners 1984/85.
BBC 2 floodlit trophy winners 1977/78
Yorkshire cup winners, 1920/21, 1929/30, 1966/67,1967/68,1971/72,1974/75,1985/86.

Memorable match. Challenge cup Friday February 28th 2003, craven park
Hull KR 2. Salford city reds 12. Tries, Hunte, littler. Goals clinch 2 Attendance 2553.
A proper old school cup tie on a bitterly cold Friday night. You couldn't tell the teams apart as the players were covered in mud on a bog of a pitch. Salford's defence was outstanding and we took are chances when they came through tries from Alan Hunte and Stuart Littler. This was a big win and played a massive part in the seasons success and getting promotion back to super league. We progressed to the quarter finals were we would face St. Helens at home!

                                                       Qualifers

Hull KR have had a season interrupted by a string of bad inuries to key players.

Will they be able to deal with the absence of their talisman Terry Campaise during this high pressure time of the season.

Of all the super league clubs involved in this middle 8 completion we feel they are the most in danger of relegation.

If Salford can keep their keep players fit and in form we should beat the Robins of Hull.

Super 8 Qualifiers preview - Leeds Rhinos

Leeds Rhinos,

9th in super league.

Coach Brian McDermott,

captain Danny McGuire

Recent signing, James Segeyaro.

James Segeyaro is Leeds Rhinos major signing for the middle 8 qualifiers.

The hooker is a Papa New Guinea international who previously played in the NRL with North Queensland Cowboys.

Deverstating around the ruck and a strong defender he will add steel and attacking prowess to Leeds Rhinos

Last 8 league meetings.

2016 Leeds 8 Salford 0.

2016 Salford 14 Leeds10.

2015 Leeds 70 Salford 6.

2015 Salford 18 Leeds 28.

2014 Salford 18 Leeds 22.

2014 Leeds 32 Salford 4.

2013 Salford 16 Leeds 42.

2013 Leeds 42 Salford 14.

Past great players.

Kevin sinfield 1997-2015

Garry Schofield 1987-1996

David ward 1971-1986

Iestyn Harris 1997-2001

John Atkinson 1966-1982

John Holmes 1968-1990

Syd Hynes 1965-75

Lewis Jones 1952-1964

.

Major honours Championship winners 60/61, 68/69 , 71/72, 2004, 2007, 2008,2009,2011,2012,2015 Challenge cup winners, 1909/10, 1922/23, 1931/32, 1935/36, 1940/41, 1941/42, 1956/57, 1967/68, 1976/77, 1977/78, 1999, 2014, 2015.

Memorable match Super league round 9 13th April 2009. Headingley stadium.

Leeds Rhinos 20 Salford city reds 30 Tries wilshire, Henry, myler, Paul, turner.

Attendance 14,381.

Are first win at headingley since 1977!

                                                    QUALIFIERS

Leeds Rhinos have had a very distruptive superleague campaign as flooding caused them to move out of their training base early in the season. Salford defeated the Rhinos at home early in the season and but were beaten at Headingley as the Rhinos found some form towards the end of the season.

The challenge for Salford is to play to their potential and if this happens Salford will come out winners in this contest

Super 8 Qualifiers preview - London Broncos

London Broncos,
2nd in the championship.
Coach Andrew Henderson,
captain Wes Naiqama

Recent signing, Jamie Soward.

Jamie Soward is a quality footballer who currently plays for the London  in the . A New South wales and  State of origin player he has vast experience having starred at , he previously played for the Sydney Roosters, Penrith Panthers and the St. George Illawarra Dragons, with whom he won the 2010 NRL Premiership.
London will be looking for him to inspire them during the middle 8 playoff series.

Last 8 league meetings.
2014. Salford 58 London 26
2014. London 18 Salford 44
2013. London 30 Salford 44
2013. Salford 4 London 38
2012. London 40 Salford 28
2012. Salford 44 London 12
2011. Salford 26 Harlequins 18
2011. Harlequins 16 Salford 34

Past great players.
Luke Dorn 2005/2006 -2009/2013
Richie Barnett 2001/2002
Tony Martin 1996-98 2001-2003
Martin Offiah1996-99
Rob Purdam 2002-2011
Terry Matterson 1995-98
Hussein M'Barki 1981-84.
1988-92
Greg Barwick 1996-97



Major honours Division 2 champions 1982/83

Memorable match. Challenge cup Sunday 27th February 2000 Kingsmeadow.
London Broncos 21. Salford city reds 22
Tries, Paul Highton,Martin Offiah, Nick Pinkney,Jason Weber
Goals, Paul Southern 2, Darren Brown 1
Attendance 1,577

                                                   The Qualifiers

London finished 2nd in the championship this season and will be a force in the Super 8 Qualifying playoffs. Looking at both squads Salford have enough quality to beat the Broncos.

Super 8 Qualifiers Preview - Leigh

Leigh Centurions, 1st in the championship.
Coach Neil Jukes
captain Micky Higham

Signings for middle 8- Danny tickle from Castleford.
Matty Dawson from St. Helens
Mitch Brown from Cronulla Sharks.

Leigh have invested heavily in another attempt to gain Super league status this season. With a squad full of super league experience and also a injection of talent especially for the middle 8 fixtures they will be a force this time round.


Last 8 league meetings. 2008. Salford 46 Leigh 12 2008.
Leigh 8 Salford 24
2005. Leigh 14 Salford 20
2005. Leigh 6 Salford 32
2003. Salford 46 Leigh 24
2003. Leigh 12 Salford 32


Past great players of Leigh. John Woods 1976-85
David Eckersley 1969-72
Des Drummond
Neil Turley 2000-2006
Colin Tyrer 1962-67
Steve Donlan 1980-85
Kevin Ashcroft
Alex Murphy 1966-71

Major honours
Challenge cup winners 1920/21 and 1970/71
Championship winners 1905/06 and 1981/82
Lancashire cup winners 1952/53, 1955/56, 1970/71,
1981/82 BBC2 floodlit trophy 1969/70 and 1972/73

Memorable match 2003 national league one grand final 5th October Halton stadium Widnes
Salford City Reds 31 Leigh Centurions 14
Tries Hunte2 Beverly and Littler
Goals Charles 6 blakeley 1 Drop goal blakeley
Attendance 9,186.

The National League Grandfinal in 2003 was a epic contest, Salford and Leigh had locked horns thoughout the season and both teams appeared in the final, With Salford staying training full time financially it was important Salford got back to Super league at the 1st time of asking.
Two Alan Hunte tries set the tone for Salford and a brilliant try by Cliff Beverley gave Salford breathing space, Leigh rallied but Stuart Littler scored the crutial try with time running out after a mistake by Leeroy Rivett to send Salford back to Superleague.

                                                         QUALIFIERS

Leigh have been run away winners of the championship this season and with the experience of being in the middle 8s last year they will be a difficult team to beat. After defeating Salford in the challenge cup last year they will be looking for a repeat performance.
Leigh have recruited ex Salford players Harrison Hanson, Corey Patterson and Reni Maitau to help close the gap  but with Salford having better quality of squad this season and we are confident if Salford play to their potential this will mean a Salford win.

Match report Salford 20 Hull Fc 28

Salford warm up for their middle 8 battle with a brave 20-28 defeat against Hull FC.

Paul Whiteside takes you through the action.

Salford were back in action at home to hull for the final game of the regular season, after this round the teams will spilt into the super eights and for us the qualifiers. The two sides served up a real treat in a pulsating match played at quite a tempo.

Five minutes in and Salford are caught cold out wide, Steve Michaels scoring the try in the corner. Ex Salford half back Mark Sneyd with his unusual but effective kicking style boots the two points. 0-6.
A loose pass from Hull goes to ground and the alert Michael Dobson springs into action hacking the ball forward. He chases what seems a lost cause but through great desire a manages to set Josh Griffin up for a try. Gareth o Brien kicks the goal to level the scores at 6-6.

It's real end to end stuff as Steve Michaels makes a thrilling break but Salford's defence manages to cut him down. As we reach the 20 minute mark Gareth o Brien comes up with a wonderful 40/20 kick to put Salford on the front foot. The next set comes to nothing and Hull are off the hook. Danny Haughton scoots from dummy half as salford's markers are poor, Frank Pritchard is on his shoulder to roar over with his first touch of the ball. Sneyd kicks the goal and Hull lead 6-12.

Mason Caton Brown comes up with an error near the Salford line. Defence again is very solid and great work from Dobson averts the danger. As the hooter sounds Salford are awarded the penalty. The desire of the Devils is there for all to see desperately chasing some points. Dobson attempts a drop goal but it's wide. Half time Salford 6 hull 12.
After a real tight first ten minutes of the second half Mason Caton Brown scores a well worked Salford try. O Briens conversion agonisingly hits the post and Hull still lead 10-12.

Hull start to build pressure after Salford mistakes in there own half. On the hour mark Chris Green crashes over. Sneyd kicks the goal to give Hull some breathing space at 10-18.

Ian watson's men are made of stern stuff this season. Great defence dragged the dangerous Curtis Naughton into touch. Josh Jones with some great work bumping tackles off and Dobson makes a thrilling Salford break. Niall Evalds is there to score and o Brien kicks the goal.

Next up some real magic, Josh Jones again is unstoppable sending the Hull defence into panic mode. Robert Lui in the corner a few yards short of the line looks to be trapped. He puts a kick to the in goal and shoots in to touch and round the hull defenders for a super try! The stadium is rocking, o Brien fails to convert but Salford lead 20-18.

Hull receive two penalties on the trot which is quite harsh on the Devils. The pressure on Salford's line is ramped up and with 7 minutes to go Sneyd ghosts over to touch down. Adding the kick as well Hull lead 20-24. Salford desperately try to get themselves back in the game but Hull finish the stronger. Gareth Ellis with all his experience flicks out a lovely pass to send Fetuli Talanoa in at the corner. Sneyd misses the kick 20-28.

Salford just came up short tonight. Ian Watson can be proud of another great effort against a really good Hull side. This just shows how far we have come since the opening round in the reverse fixture at the KC stadium. With 7 matches to come in the middle 8s we need to take this hunger and desire into those games.   

Match preview Salford Red Devils v Hull FC

It's the final game of the super league season for Salford against Hull FC before they start their middle 8 challenge. Here is Rob with the preview.

With both teams looking for a win for different reasons this contest on Friday may prove to be a special one.

Hull FC are chasing super league glory after a very impressive season which have kept the fans on the edge of their seats.

Salford are looking to cement their 9th place finish with a win. This would give them 4 critical home games to win in their attempt to avoild the drop.

Battles

Danny Houghton is having a fantastic season for Hull FC, he can be very dangerous around the ruck area and being top tackler in super league he will be somebody to watch both in attack and defence.

With Tommy Lee out injured Logan Tompkins has stepped up to be Salfords #No1 hooker.
In his 2nd spell at the Reds he has produced some great performances throughout this season and will be a key player for Salford in the middle 8s.

Scott Taylor became a fans favourite for Salford Red Devils last season for his no nonsense running style and 100% efforts in a Red Shirt. He seems to have continued his great form in the black and white of Hull this season which will be a concern for Salford.

Craig Kopjack has had a amazing season for Salford Red Devils filling the big shoes left by Scott Taylor at the end of last season.  A tireless worker in both attack and defence and showing great leadership qualities on the field he is a front runner for podcast player of the year so far.

Marc Sneyd have become a influential player at Hull FC, never reaily getting a opportunity at Salford he moved on and has never looked back. A top goal kicker and very creative a main player for Hull this season.

Rob Lui is coming back into form for Salford Red Devils just before the middle 8s begin. A fine performance away at Widnes shows that on his day Lui is Salfords talisman. Fans of the Salford Red Devils are hoping for more of the same in the coming weeks.

Previous encounters

1998 Salford 12 hull 4.
1999 Salford 38 hull 18
2000 Salford 30 hull 22.
2000 Salford 33 hull 24
2001 Salford 24 hull 36
2002 Salford 10 hull 24
2004 Salford 20 hull 44
2004 Salford 8 hull 12
2005 Salford 12 hull 22
2006 Salford 20 hull 24
2007 Salford 18 hull 35
2009 Salford 14 hull 18
2010 Salford 27 hull 20
2011 Salford 16 hull 32
2012 Salford 24 hull 22
2013 Salford 18 hull 24
2014 Salford 35 hull 22
2015 Salford 32 hull 28
Super league record Played 18. Won 8. Lost 10.

Salford 32 Widnes 24 Match report

What a night for Salford Red Devils, a superb hatrick from Mason Caton Brown secures the victory for the Red Devils in a see saw battle, Paul Whiteside takes you through the action.

After last weeks storm it seemed a bit calmer tonight and Salford grabbed the first points against Widnes. Junior Sau punched a hold through the Vikings defence and sent Mason Caton Brown racing to the line. Gareth O brien kicks off the touch line and Salford lead  0-6.

Widnes then pile the pressure on. Salfords defensive effort was outstanding. Salford hold their line for four sets of six! 15 minutes in though Matt Whitely hits a flat pass which looks forward but the try is given,  Lloyd white kicks the goal to tie the scores at 6-6
With 28 minutes on the clock and after soaking up so much Widnes pressure Salford move the ball wide. Caton Brown soars through a gap. On the next play the ball is switched to the opposite wing and Justin Carney gets down low to score in the corner. O Brien again kicks off the touch line and Salford lead 6-12.

Five minutes before the break Salford looked to have snuffed out the Widnes danger but a miracle pass finds Patrick Ah Van who ghosts over. Corey Thompson kicks the goal to level the scores at 12-12. Widnes have momentum and a Kevin brown  40-20 in the next set puts pressure on Salford but yet again Salford's defence is outstanding holding hep Cahill up over the line as the hooter signals half time with the score 12-12.

The 2nd half started and Widnes again had field position and pressure but Salford strike back. Robert Lui bursts through feeding Sau who puts Caton Brown away. He shows wonderful pace and gets to the line. O Brien again off the touch line was succesful and Salford hit the front 12-18.

Justin Carney ,ot injured and limped off to be replaced by Niall Evalds. Gareth o Brien looks to have kicked a 40-20. As the Salford players celebrate the referee gives Widnes feed at the scrum much to the amazement of nearly everyone in the ground.

With 20 minutes remaining Kevin Brown is taken off with a head injury. What looks like a blatant knock on is waved on by referee Gareth Hewer and on the next play Matt Whitley scores. White kicks the goal and at 18-18 this game is far from over.

Salford again work hard to keep the Widnes attack at bay. On a last tackle play Michael Dobson runs a the Vikings dangerously finding Josh Jones who powers over the line. O Brien misses the kick but Salford lead 18-22. Ten minutes remaining there's a punch up 20 yards from the Vikings line. Buchanan and Kopzack are sin binned but Salford get the penalty.

Gaz O brien wisely kicks the goal to extend Salfords lead to 18-24.   After a frantic final five minutes . Salford get the penalty well within O briens range. He ;Kicks the goal 18-26. From kickoff  Widnes go short it comes off the ball and with the ball in hand they  worked the ball out wife and Corey Thompson squeezes in at the corner. White kicks the goal to set up a thrilling finish to a great game! 24-26.

Patrick Ah van looks to have found the gap as the Salford faithful gasp, but Whitely knocks on. Salford attack and Mason Caton Brown a real star tonight scorches over the line for his hat trick. Dobson kicks off the touch line. 24-32. The hooter sounds and Salford get the win. There was a real spirit tonight in that team and if we take that to the middle 8 we won't go far wrong. Salford finish the regular season at home next Friday with Hull the visitors. Get down and support this team as there one to really admire and be proud of.

Ian Watson reaction to the win against Widnes

"That just shows what we are all about, the boys stuck together.

The boys are a good group and they are talking about  playing for the club and the shirt. we had a lot to go on last week but the boys stuck at the task and played for each other and the club.

This week we spoke as a group, we don't want to get side tracked by anything. we have done reaily well.  Mason Caton Brown is one of the quickest in the league and we tell him to back himself when he can.  Justin Carney took a big bang to his leg but hopefully its not too serious.

That's the benchmark in our grit and determination and we are pleased with that"

Big match preview Widnes V Salford

Salford travel to Widnes hoping to get back to winning ways and build confidence ahead of their middle 8 battle to come. Rob Parkinson looks forward to the game on Friday and where he thinks the game will be won or lost.

Both standoffs are capable of making a huge impression in this game, Kevin Brown is Widneses go to man. he has a great kicking game and organisational skills he will be a player Salford will need to martial if they are to get a result on Friday.

Rob Lui has the magic to mesmerise, with good ball and space he has the ability to cause Widnes all kinds of problems.

The winner of this battle will go a long way in deciding the result.

The battle up front is always something to look forward to with potential fire works but this battle on Friday night will be intriguing. Ben Murdoch Masila is a powerful unit for Salford and has the ability to punch big holes in the Widnes defence on Friday night. 

Hep Cahill is a big characher for widnes. he brings power and strong running to a battling Widnes pack. Salford will need to keep him quiet on Friday to get a result.

Its a battle between the wizard and the apprentice  here in the scurm half position on Friday night.
Michael Dobson is Salfords main organisational player with lots of experience in big games though his career he will be looking to use all that to help Salford get a win here ahead of the middle 8 fixtures.
Joe Mellor shows lots of enthusiasm, and with youth on his side his partnership  Kevin Brown has made many super league clubs sit up and take notice of his talents.

Last game both teams faced each other was at Magic Weekend in Newcastle. Salford came away victorious 18-12 with 2 tries from Daniel Vidot the difference on the day.

Stats

With Widnes safely in the top 8 and Salford preparing for their middle 8 battle its a game both sides will be looking to win to get momentum ahead of challenges to come.

Don't forget to tune into this weeks Devil in the Detail  podcast looking back at a traumatic week for Salford Red Devils after their points deduction appeal refusal and Marwan Koukash considering his future at the club.