Salford v Hull KR big match preview

 Salford Red Devils take on Hull Kingston Rovers in the challenge cup at the AJ Bell on Friday, Paul Parkin looks forward to the game in his big match preview

Battles

 

Battle 1 – Shaun Lunt v Logan Tomkins

Whoever is on the field at any time in the hooking role for the Red Devils is sure to have a hard challenge against Shaun Lunt. Whitehave born Lunt is both experienced, having made over 270 first grade appearances and featuring in no less than 3 challenge cup finals! A skilled and very dangerous dummy half is well capable of causing Salford huge problems with pacey burst of speed and a key eye for the try line. 

Fortunately for the Reds we are blessed with 2 very good hookers in both Logan Tomkins who is having an exception spell with his very high work rate and the ever-impressive Kris Brining who has already wowed Salford fans with his speed at the play-the-ball and eye for the try line.

 Battle 2 – Maurice Blair v Rob Lui

 

These two guys could hold the key to either team emerging triumphant from the game. Blair another hugely experienced player brought over from Australia in 2014 predominantly as a second rower but his versatility has meant that Rovers have been able to now use him at stand off. A big man for the role who’ll take some stopping but has very good hands to move the ball and Hull KR around the park, a real leader. 

Rob Lui has, at times this season, been unplayable, his stepping, weaving runs and clever creative play has been pivotal in the Red Devils march up the Super League this season.

 
  Battle 3 – Ben Cockayne v Gareth Obrien/ Niall Evalds

Yet again experience is the key and there can be many more experienced in the Rovers line-up than full back Ben Cockayne. A formidable opponent who always causes problems for opposing sides. In his second spell with the Robins he’ll surely be one of the key components to their swift return to Super League.

For the Reds, well a real dilemma for coach Ian Watson as to who gets the full back slot. Evalds bang in form following 2 stunning performances against Widnes and Wigan scoring 3 tries in the process. However how on earth do you leave out “The Saviour” a man who is synonymous with this fixture, his goal kicking (and drop goals of course) alone can with a game but in general play there can be very few better running around at the minute.

 

 
Previous encounters 

Previous Challenge Cup meetings (This century)

Fri 28th Feb 03

Hull KR 2 Salford 12

 

 

Last time we met

22nd July 2016

Hull KR 18 Salford 19

Salford were victorious in the million pound game against Hull KR. A Gaz O'Brien drop goal in extra time was enough to secure Salfords place in Super League for 2017 and condemning Rovers to Relegation.

 

Trading places?

Here’s a few players who have donned the colours of both sides.

Michael Dobson

Kris Welham

George Griffin

Iain Thornley

David Hodgson

Darrell Goulding

Chris Charles

Nick Pinkney

Greg Austin

Jack Feetham

 
Squads

 
 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat, Paul Parkin joins the boys to talk through all the big stories of the week. Lami Tasi and Adam Walne look back at the big win v Wigan. Ian Watson in in coaches corner, Paul Whiteside previews our local amateur clubs fixtures and results as we look forward to the cup game on Friday against Hull KR.