Salford Red Devils vs Hull FC
Super League – Friday 16th March – AJ Bell Stadium – KO 8:00PM
After back to back away losses against Saints and Castleford, Salford will be looking forward to the sanctity of a home match and hopefully a return to winning ways against Hull FC.
With rumours circulating of Gareth O’Brien’s departure confirmed this week – his move to Toronto subject to RFL approval – The Red Devils can now ensure the game against the Black and Whites is the only thing on their mind.
The fans will be hoping the home team come out of the blocks much quicker than last week against the Tigers. A first half performance culminating in a 20-0 score line at half time will surely mean another 2 points going to the opposition. So Ian Watson will surely be keen to instil this into his players ahead of Friday’s contest.
Both teams have now named their 19 men squads, there will be some critical match ups in key areas of the field, so let’s run down where the match could be won and lost.
Props: Lama Tasi v Josh Bowden
None of the forward line have let the side down at all so far this season, with the Red Devils having one of the strongest packs in Super League. Lama Tasi has epitomised the effort the team has put in and his straight line running and hard hits could be key to winning the big forward battle.
Josh Bowden is one of a number of local players in the Hull first team. Highlighted as one of the key players in Hull’s Challenge cup win, he’s difficult to stop near the line and is a solid defender too. The Red Devils players will need to ensure he is kept quiet.
Hooker: Josh Wood v Danny Washbrook
Josh Wood is once again in contention for the starting hooker places after impressive performances in all his games so far this season. The youngster has not looked out of place in Super League and has set a high level for himself to achieve week in week out. If Lee Radford has done his homework, he will tell the Hull FC forwards not to run directly at him, as, despite his size, his tackles have dumped many a large prop on their backsides.
With the injury to Hull’s Mr Consistent hooker Danny Houghton, Danny Washbrook has had to step up. This is a huge area in and around the ruck and FC will obviously miss Houghton’s drive forward and ability to spot a gap in the opposition’s defence. Washbrook will have to be on top form to ensure Hull don’t miss their regular hooker too much.
Halves: Jack Littlejohn v Jake Connor
There’s been a certain inconsistency in Salford’s halves in recent games. With Rob Lui and Jack Littlejohn there’s plenty of potential for a successful partnership, but these things take time. Jack will be keen to impose himself on this game and ensure he proves he deserves the position of starting scrum half. His kicking game and game management will be under close scrutiny and Hull FC will be eager to put him under pressure throughout the game.
Jake Connor has started in the halves under Lee Radford on a number of occasions this season and has rewarded his coach with a number of eye catching performances. With FC missing the mercurial Albert Kelly, the Red Devils could be forgiven for thinking there’s a weakness in the opposition. However, it’s imperative that Salford are able to get up to him as early as possible to force the 23-year-old to make quick decisions and look to unsettle him from the off.
Full back: Niall Evalds v Jamie Shaul
With the departure of Gareth O’Brien, it’s expected that Evalds will take the starting berth at full back. It’s no secret that this is his preferred position as opposed to being out on the wing. (which he also looks extremely accomplished at) He will therefore be very keen to put in an accomplished performance to show that he can fill the boots of one of the fans favourites.
Jamie Shaul - another one of Hull’s academy products - has been their established full back for a number of seasons. He was top try scorer in all competitions last season for the Black and Whites and it therefore goes without saying that Shaul is extremely dangerous with ball in hand.
Let’s ensure our following is top class on Friday and there’s plenty of noise around to get the home team up for the match from the off. Let’s make the AJ Bell a fortress!
Come on Salford!!!!
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