Battle 1 Gareth O’Brien v Tony Gigot
This will be an intriguing contest. O’Brien is integral to our attacking plans. For Salford Gaz came back into the starting line-up last week at the Magic Weekend win against Leigh and what an impact he was, Leigh had clearly spotted his match winning potential which led to them ending the game with 12 men, he is also sound under the high ball as well.
Catalans must have been delighted that Gigots lengthy ban was lifted a few weeks back and welcomed him back with open arms. A very dangerous returner of the ball with pace and movement, he’s already back into his stride with the touchdowns.
Battle 2 Ben Murdoch-Masila v Sam Moa
Two big South Sea islanders clash here, in fact both are fellow compatriots from Tonga and it could be a massive contest in all ways imaginable. BMM has been unbelievable and unplayable almost of this season, powerful runs taking 3,4 or more men with him, big hits in defence and not to mention his try scoring, with has led him to hit 11 four pointers in 11 outings in all comps already.
Sam Moa is a vastly experienced forward with a fearsome reputation. A strong runner of the ball and a destructive powerhouse. Having previously represented Cronulla, Hull FC & Sydney Roosters.
Battle 3 Michael Dobson/Rob Lui v Luke Walsh/Richie Myler
Now this will be mouth watering 4 quality half backs all with varying skill sets. For Salford we’ve got the “general” Michael Dobson and the “maverick” Rob Lui the two players that make us tick.
Dobbo’s quality and experience have been invaluable to us this season, he know how at slowing the game down or speeding it up, also he guiding us around the park has been nothing sort of brilliant, as for Lui, a totally different style of player, a real jack-in-the-box with all the tricks to boot, he has a tendency to mesmerise defences with his mazy runs and stepping running style, he cause defences all kinds of trouble whilst creating space for the rest of the team to exploit.
On the Dragons roster are two half backs that will be no strangers to any Salford fan. In Luke Walsh brought in from St Helens they have a very astute player, like Dobson a key organiser for his team with a brilliant kicking game that will be a thorn in our side without doubt, the other half back, again a foil for his partner is former Salford “favourite” Myler, a real quality support player who can bag a try from anywhere and prove to be a game winner.
Previous meetings
Stats
Form
Squads
Having first met the Dragons in their currentform in 2006 there have been some fierce battles between the 2 sides. This week however sees two teams with vastly contrasting fortunes. Whilst we are still flying high in second spot on the Super League table and through to the quarter finals of the cup the Dragons have been on a shocking run including a hammering by Hull FC I the challenge cup. Following last weeks defeat to Huddersfield they said au revoir to head coach Laurent Frayssinous which will without doubt bind what is a very strong squad together to make this very tricky for the Reds.
Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast here, all your Salford RL chat to enjoy. Ian Watson and Craig Kopczak look back at the Magic Weekend win and we talk to Norman Robinson Salfords record breaking time keeper about his time watching Salford.
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