Salford Red Devil squad preview Forwards part 1

Salford take on Wigan on Saturday and it promises to be a great game. Paul Whiteside looks at the forwards who will be in the Salford pack in 2017.

 

Josh Jones! 

Josh begins his second season with Salford. A very powerful player he's at home in the pack or in the centres! With over a 100 top flight appearances to his name at just 23 years old josh has an exciting future ahead of him.

 

Craig Kopczak

A real stalwart in the pack last season Craig became one of the best signings of the koukash era! 31 appearances last season from one of Super Leagues most consistent performers. Top meter maker most weeks and also a strong hard working defender. A big season is expected once again from a player who's coming in to his prime years!

 

Logan Tomkins 

Logan spent time on loan with Salford in 2014 and 2015. He signed a permanent deal for 2016. Another very dependable player the ex Wigan warriors hooker will have a big part to play once again this season. Logan is the younger brother of Sam and Joel Tomkins! At just 24 years old with over 100 top flight games Tomkins is a big part of Salford's first team.

 

George Griffin. 

George became one of the first players on the team sheet last year and was many fans choice for most improved player of the year! A very strong runner who works his socks of in the tackling department Griffin is one of the most under rated forwards in the league! With a good turn of pace he has chipped in with a few tries recently too. At 24 years old George's best years are ahead of him.

 

Ben Murdoch Masilla

Big Ben made his mark last year for Salford as one of our most consistent players! 32 appearances and 6 tries in his debut season! His strong running and aggressive style has made him a huge favourite with the Salford faithful! An injury in the pre season fixture at Rochdale has been a set back but Ben will again be the enforcer on his return to the side!

 

Weller Hauraki 

Weller is one of the oldest players in what is a very young Salford squad! 173 top flight games for weller who has played at Parramatta, Celtic Crusaders, Leeds and Castleford. This will be his third season at Salford for the Kiwi who has also represented New Zealand Maori 5 times. Weller is a tough tackler second rower who likes to run out wide.

 

Mark Flanagan 

Mark can pass a ball as we all know from the million pound game. He's also a very reliable player who comes up with big minutes every week. One of the top tacklers week in week out Mark has an exceptional fitness engine! His previous clubs include Wigan, St Helens and Wests Tigers in Australia. In 2014 mark played at scrum half in the super league grand final and was in the victorious Saints team that beat Wigan 14-6! His big game experience will no doubt help guide the young guns in the Salford pack!

 

Lama Tasi

Lama is back at Salford for his second spell having spent last season at St Helens. Having signed for Salford prior to the 2014 season Lama became a crowd favourite with his raw boned big hitting style. A disappointing 2016 season at Saints makes his Salford return  have a real feel of unfinished business about it. Another forward who makes big meters Lama has slotted straight back in to the Salford groove.

 

Ryan Lannon

2017 promises to be a big year for young Ryan. At just 21 the youngster is a real hot prospect with bags of potential which we saw glimpses of last season. Loose forward or second row is where Ryan's future is seen at Salford!

 

Adam Walne 

Adam is one of the longest serving players at the club. Making his debut in 2013 against Wigan this will be his 5th season. Adam is now 26 and 2017 is a big season for him to make his mark in the pack and push for a regular starting position! Another powerful runner with a good turn of pace! Adam can be a real handful for opposing defenders.

Pictures by Steve McCormick