Huddesfield v Salford Sportszone Preview

A tricky assignment awaits Ian Watson’s Salford side for there opening League game of 2019. After an in different start to the 2018 season Huddersfield parted company with Head coach Rick Stone replacing him with fellow Australian Simon Woolford. The Giants had a fantastic upturn in form to finish a very credible 5th place in the Super Eights.

Talisman Danny Brough has left and joined Wakefield with fullback Jake Mamo signing for Warrington. Another big loss is hooker Ryan Hinchcliffe who has retired. Two former Giants who have rejoined the club for 2019 are Joe Wardle and Scott Grix. Akuila Uate has signed from NRL club Manly, the tough Fijian international will add to the power to an already powerful and explosive back line. Huddersfield boast a crop of talented youngsters and have a decent amount of options in there first team squad.

Super League away record,

Huddersfield won 11

Salford won 10

Draws 0

1998 Huddersfield 12 Salford 16

1999 Huddersfield 24 Salford 10

2000 Huddersfield/Sheffield 10 Salford 18

2001 Huddersfield 24 Salford 32

2001 Huddersfield 35 Salford 14

2004 Huddersfield 26 Salford 14

2004 Huddersfield 28 Salford 22

2005 Huddersfield 26 Salford 10

2006 Huddersfield 32 Salford 18

2006 Huddersfield 24 Salford 18

2007 Huddersfield 16 Salford 18

2009 Huddersfield 4 Salford 24

2010 Huddersfield 52 Salford 4

2011 Huddersfield 52 Salford 22

2012 Huddersfield 36 Salford 10

2013 Huddersfield 46 Salford 4

2014 Huddersfield 10 Salford 36

2015 Huddersfield 12 Salford 18

2016 Huddersfield 24 Salford 26

2017 Huddersfield 20 Salford 30

2018 Huddersfield 12 Salford 30

They played for both

Here are a selection of players who have played for both clubs;

Steve Kerry, Danny Arnold, Greg Austin, David Bradbury, Jodie Broughton, Ryan Clayton, Gavin Clinch, Greg Eden, Simon Finnigan, Matt Gardner, Lee Gaskell, Martin Gleeson, Bobbie Goulding, Darrel Griffin, Josh Griffin, Neil Harmon, David Hodgson, Graham Holroyd, Andy Johnson, Phil Joseph, Craig Kopzack, Michael korkidas, Tommy Lee, Martin Moana, Chris Nero, Robbie Paul, Luke Robinson, Jordan Turner, Adam Walne, Paul White and Stephen Wild.

Former Salford starlet Jordan Turner now with The Giants

A match to remember 

Huddersfield 4 Salford 24 17th May 2009.

Salford capitalised on an error-strewn Huddersfield performance to win there fourth match of 2009.

Giants stand-off Kevin Brown attempted to find touch with a penalty in the sixth minute, but only succeeded in kicking the ball straight to a Reds player.

Salford took advantage by building a thrilling move, which ended with Myler putting in John Wilshere down the left channel for a converted try.

The Giants, looking for a ninth win in 11 league and cup matches, never recovered, and Myler later scored a stunning solo try to cap a deserved victory.

Martin Aspinwall palmed down a high kick for Luke Robinson to go over for the Giants on 17 minutes, only for Leroy Cudjoe to miss the conversion.

Robinson then started a fine move, in which Brown and Paul Whatuira exchanged passes to breach the Salford defence on 22 minutes, but the visitors recovered with some terrific defence to stop Whatuira short of the line.

Salford were struggling in the league since beating Celtic Crusaders on the campaign’s opening day. The Reds travelling supporters were delighted when

Luke Adamson’s acrobatic pass was pounced on by Jordan Turner, and his offload to Darrell Goulding on the overlap resulted in another converted try.

Huddersfield nearly reduced the deficit on half-time when Aspinwall went over in the corner but Lolesi was adjudged to have made a forward pass in the build-up.

John Wilshere kicked four goals in total, added a penalty on 50 minutes, and also added the extras when Salford sealed victory six minutes later with a breakaway try.

The Giants were pressing the Reds’ try-line when a poor pass was intercepted by Myler, and he raced nearly the full length of the field to score a super solo try near the posts.

Australian Mark Henry completed the scoring when the creative Stefan Ratchford’s pass was palmed onto him by Willie Talau. A surprise result but a much welcomed one for Salford leaving The Giants shell shocked. It was particularly pleasing to see two players who came through Salford’s youth set up Stefan Ratchford and Jordan Turner playing a big part in the victory.

Salford’s team that day was;

Wilshere; Henry, Turner, Talau, Goulding; Ratchford, Myler; Cashmere, Alker, Parker, Sibbit, Adamson, Swain. Subs used: Jewitt, Leuluai, Paul, Littler. Tries: Wilshere, Goulding, Myler, Henry. Goals: Wilshere (4).

Friday’s match

Huddersfield will go in to this game as favourites but Ian Watson’s men will have plenty of confidence after a good pre season. Warm up matches against Swinton Lions and Wigan have shifted the ring rust leaving The Red Devils raring to go. There is a lot of excitement around the half back pairing of Jackson Hastings and Robert Lui with the spine of Salford’s starting 13 full of quality. It might not be the biggest squad in Super League but there is a sense of anticipation around Watson’s squad with the supporters in a very positive mood. Although I am not one to look at statistics Salford have won there last five consecutive visits to Huddersfield.

There have been some memorable matches between the two sides over the years. Who could forget Kevin Locke’s debut or Mark Lee’s wonderful last gasp kick through for Nathan Mcavoy In 1996.

Huddersfield Giants and there loyal followers have ambitions of there own of a top five finish in 2019 and why not after last season’s amazing turn round in form. Friday night promises to be a fantastic match and one not to miss.

Safe travels and see you all there.

Paul Whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Huddesfield v Salford big match preview

Huddersfield Giants vs Salford Red Devils

Super League - Friday 1st Feb – KO 7:45PM

 Salford’s curtain raiser for Super League in 2019 is away against the Huddersfield Giants.

During the pre-season, the Red Devils have enjoyed mixed results in 2 home friendlies. A win against neighbours Swinton Lions, and a loss versus a strong Wigan Warriors line-up, meaning Ian Watson will have learnt both positives and areas for improvement during the previous 2 weeks.

The only major drawback from those 2 games being the loss of Ed Chamberlain to an ankle injury that may keep him side-lined for another 6-8 weeks. However, Joey Lussick will be able to deputise as goal kicker.

From the Giants point of view, the pre-season somewhat echoed Salford’s. A comfortable win, 56-12 over Bradford Bulls for their first run out, followed by a battling defeat at home to fellow Super League side, Wakefield Trinity (24-28). In between, a second string youthful side, lost 10-50 against Workington Town.

For coach Simon Woolford, it was still a positive run out, other than the injury to England star, Jermaine McGilvary for 3-4 weeks. Despite this set back, he suggests the team will bring their A-Game for the visit of the Red Devils.

Let’s look at some key battles on the pitch where the game could be decided.

 Props: Lee Mossop v Suiaia Matagi

For “Moose” Mossop, this is a pivotal season. The 30-year-old has been given the captain’s armband and will relish the challenge that this responsibility will no doubt come with.

During pre-season, he was showing his customary straight running as well as marshalling the other forwards around and being more vocal on the pitch. If he keeps fit, he will be a towering influence on Salford’s season and it’s vital that he gets off to a good start on Friday.

Suiaia Matagi joined Huddersfield in 2018 and is ready to get his first full season as a Giant under his belt. The tough hitting Samoan was part of the team that made it to the WC 2017 quarter finals and joined Huddersfield from Paramatta after previously having spells in the NRL with Sydney Roosters and NZ Warriors.

As the main prop in the Giants team, he will be expected to impose himself on the game early, so expect these two to have some impressive early hit-ups to see if either can gain any dominance over the other.

 Loose: Mark Flanagan v Michael Lawrence

Flash, or Mr Dependable will yet again feature heavily in Salford’s season. The glue that binds the team together (as he has been called by Watto) will need to be at his best this season to ensure the pivot at loose forward enables the half back pairing of Hastings and Lui to create chances for the backs to demonstrate what they are capable of.

There are fewer more solid, consistent players that Flanagan and someone you would want in your team each week if possible. Expect yet another strong performance from him this Friday.

Michael Lawrence is a Huddersfield academy product and has known nothing but Claret and Gold for his entire career. The 27-year-old became an England Knights International last year - alongside our own Niall Evalds – due to his outstanding work rate and relentless tackling in defence.

How he links the forwards and the back line in this Huddersfield line up will be key to the battle between these two forwards, along with their defensive displays. Expect both players to put in some hard tackles, hard metres and long minutes for their respective teams.

 Hooker: Joey Lussick v Kruise Leeming

Joey Lussick: With the arrival of the mercurial Jackson Hastings during the middle 8’s last season, you could be forgiven for missing the second Aussie import that Salford acquired. Despite his comparatively quiet demeanour, Joey Lussick’s performances have been fantastic so far for the Red Devil’s.

Alongside his more lauded Antipodean, he has arguably become the number one hooker in the Salford line up and played the full eighty minutes in the last two friendlies, also switching to half back when Lui and Hastings were brought off as precautions after picking up minor knocks. He is also going to have to be on goal kicking duties due to the injury of Ed Chamberlain, so that makes him even more crucial to the 17-man team on Friday.

Kruise Leeming

Another England Knights debutant during 2018, the 23-year-old Giant’s academy export will want to kick on and improve during this Super League season. He will have a large forward pack in front of him that could possibly give him the time and space he needs from dummy half to find his new half back pairing and this is what coach Simon Woolford will be wanting.

Salford should look to attack him with big direct running to see if the youngster is able to cope with multiple tackles early on. This may tire him and with the reduction in interchanges a new feature this season the Giants could be found wanting.

 Halves: Jackson Hastings v Lee Gaskell

Since Jackson Hastings arrival for the qualifiers late last season, he has been nothing short of superb.

Not only with his eye-catching performances on the field, but the impressive way he carries himself off it. His professional attitude and genuine willingness to absorb the Salford Red Devil’s culture has already earnt almost legendary status at the club.

His combination play and link up with Rob Lui, Joey Lussick and Niall Evalds could mean that the Salford faithful are in for some amazing tries and dazzling plays in 2019. Should he keep fit, there’s no reason why Salford can’t expect a top half of the table finish. He is simply that important to the club.

Lee Gaskell appears to have found his settled place in the halves and will start the Giant’s season there alongside new signing Matt Frawley. He has played centre and Full back for Huddersfield so far but has now found his place after a successful 2018 in that position.

The 28-year-old is a product of the St Helens academy and also had a brief spell at the Red Devil’s on loan during 2013. It will be crucial that Salford attack the new half back combination early and put them under pressure to see if they are able to handle it.

Let’s hope everyone takes their seats for the start of what promises to be an excellent and exciting season! There’s plenty of reason for optimism in 2019. Let’s hope the team deliver on the field and the fans deliver off it by showing their support!

Come on Salford!!!!

Watto happy with tough match as Salford complete pre season

The Champions rolled in to town for Salford’s final warm up game before the Super League season gets under way.Zak Hardacker was in the Warriors line up to make his debut. Young Connor Aspey was again on the bench for the Red Devil’s after a fantastic debut last week.

 Both sides named strong teams, Ken Sio began his Salford career on the wing for his eagerly anticipated debut.A dry afternoon welcomed the players with the pitch in supreme condition as usual.

Salford made the perfect start with Lee Mossop applying pressure to force George Williams to kick out on the full. Jackson Hastings teasing kick provided the first points with Ken Sio touching down in the corner.

Moments later Junior Sau came close to a try but the Wigan defence held him up over the line.After holding out back to back sets Salford came up with a knock on deep in there own half. Wigan’s pressure eventually telling as Liam Farrell powered over to level the scores at 4-4. Hardacker kicking off the touch line to edge the Warriors ahead.

As the first half wore on Wigan began to claim more territory, forcing Salford in to errors. Ken Sio was trapped in goal and from the resulting drop out Sam Powell pinched a soft try from close range. Hardacker kicking the goal 4-12.

The Warriors struck another blow just before the break, slick passing sending Tom Davies in wide out. Hardacker sliced his kick to the side of the posts, 4-16.

At the start of the second half Salford coach Ian Watson shuffled his side round. Ken Sio went to full back with Niall Evalds partnering Rob Lui in the halves. Jackson Hastings leaving the field.

Australian Joey Lussick got Salford right back in to the match poaching a try from dummy half. Ed Chamberlain converting to bring a The Red Devil’s to within a score at 10-16.

Chamberlain picked up what looked like a leg injury and was helped from the field. This handed a debut to his replacement Calvin Wellington.Jake Bibby grabbed Salford’s third try, Joey Lussick agonisingly hitting the post with the ball bouncing on to the cross bar before falling short on his conversion attempt. 14-16.

Salford were put under continuous pressure towards the mid way point of the half. Goal line defence was good before Morgan Escare broke away to score. Hardacker made it 3 from 4 with his conversions to give the Warriors a two score lead heading in to the final 15 minutes of the game.

Hardacker then finished off another flowing Wigan move, converting his own try. Worryingly for Salford supporters Robert Lui hobbled off rather gingerly with ten minutes remaining.Niall Evalds showing his versatility playing at halfback ghosted through the Warriors defence. After an excellent display last week against Swinton Niall was very impressive again. The Red Devil’s kept pressing and a fantastic finish from Derrell Olpherts off a Sau off load gave Salford a well deserved try.

Connor Aspey came off the bench in the final minutes to make an appearance against his home town club. Quite a few members of the youngsters family were in the crowd to cheer him on today.

Ian Watson was pleased with Salford’s two pre season performances and speaking after the match said “ I think I know my 13 that will go there (Huddersfield) we will have a little look at how Huddersfield play and what suits us whether it’s more leg speed on the bench or physicality”.

Watson will have to wait to find out the extent of Ed Chamberlain's injury but reported that Robert Lui was fine.

Yet again Australian dynamo Joey Lussick was a the heart of everything with a Man of the Match display. Salford will open the season in a just under a fortnights time away at Huddersfield Giants on Friday 1st February.

Final score at the AJ Bell Stadium,

Salford 18 Wigan 28

Paul Whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford Red Devil’s 18 Wigan Warriors 28 Sportszone Match Report

STERN TEST FOR SALFORD PLEASES WATSON.

The Champions rolled in to town for Salford’s final warm up game before the Super League season gets under way.Zak Hardacker was in the Warriors line up to make his debut. Young Connor Aspey was again on the bench for the Red Devil’s after a fantastic debut last week. 

Both sides named strong teams, Ken Sio began his Salford career on the wing for his eagerly anticipated debut.A dry afternoon welcomed the players with the pitch in supreme condition as usual.

Salford made the perfect start with Lee Mossop applying pressure to force George Williams to kick out on the full. Jackson Hastings teasing kick provided the first points with Ken Sio touching down in the corner.

Moments later Junior Sau came close to a try but the Wigan defence held him up over the line. After holding out back to back sets Salford came up with a knock on deep in there own half. Wigan’s pressure eventually telling as Liam Farrell powered over to level the scores at 4-4. Hardacker kicking off the touch line to edge the Warriors ahead.

As the first half wore on Wigan began to claim more territory, forcing Salford in to errors. Ken Sio was trapped in goal and from the resulting drop out Sam Powell pinched a soft try from close range. Hardacker kicking the goal 4-12.

The Warriors struck another blow just before the break, slick passing sending Tom Davies in wide out. Hardacker sliced his kick to the side of the posts, 4-16.

At the start of the second half Salford coach Ian Watson shuffled his side round. Ken Sio went to full back with Niall Evalds partnering Rob Lui in the halves. Jackson Hastings leaving the field.

Australian Joey Lussick got Salford right back in to the match poaching a try from dummy half. Ed Chamberlain converting to bring a The Red Devil’s to within a score at 10-16.

Chamberlain picked up what looked like a leg injury and was helped from the field. This handed a debut to his replacement Calvin Wellington.

Jake Bibby grabbed Salford’s third try, Joey Lussick agonisingly hitting the post with the ball bouncing on to the cross bar before falling short on his conversion attempt. 14-16.

Salford were put under continuous pressure towards the mid way point of the half. Goal line defence was good before Morgan Escare broke away to score. Hardacker made it 3 from 4 with his conversions to give the Warriors a two score lead heading in to the final 15 minutes of the game.

Hardacker then finished off another flowing Wigan move, converting his own try. Worryingly for Salford supporters Robert Lui hobbled off rather gingerly with ten minutes remaining.

Niall Evalds showing his versatility playing at halfback ghosted through the Warriors defence. After an excellent display last week against Swinton Niall was very impressive again. The Red Devil’s kept pressing and a fantastic finish from Derrell Olpherts off a Sau off load gave Salford a well deserved try.

Connor Aspey came off the bench in the final minutes to make an appearance against his home town club. Quite a few members of the youngsters family were in the crowd to cheer him on today.

Ian Watson was pleased with Salford’s two pre season performances and speaking after the match said “ I think I know my 13 that will go there (Huddersfield) we will have a little look at how Huddersfield play and what suits us whether it’s more leg speed on the bench or physicality”.

Watson will have to wait to find out the extent of Ed Chamberlain's injury but reported that Robert Lui was fine.�Yet again Australian dynamo Joey Lussick was a the heart of everything with a Man of the Match display. Salford will open the season in a just under a fortnights time away at Huddersfield Giants on Friday 1st February

.Final score at the AJ Bell Stadium,

Salford 18 Wigan 28

Paul Whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford v Swinton Match Report

There’s something about a Salford v Swinton Match. It’s a special atmosphere, two clubs with so much history and many players have represented both sides.

The Lions of 2019 are lead by head coach Stuart Littler a huge fans favourite in his playing days at Salford. The Red Devil’s Ian Watson is a big hero with the Swinton faithful for obvious reasons.

With the new season just a matter of weeks away, today’s warm up match would definitely help shake off the ring rust and give both sides the opportunity to try combinations and new signings. 

A new season means a new kit and Salford’s red and white hooped socks definitely caught the eye for the traditionalists! 

A grey afternoon welcomed both teams at the kick off. A slight breeze but fairly mild for January. The pitch as ever in immaculate condition.

The Red Devils first attack sees them open the scoring. Jackson Hastings and Robert Lui linking up to put Junior Sau in from close range.

Salford doubled there lead in the 7th minute after Lui’s pin point grubber kick was pounced on by Hastings. Ed Chamberlain this time converting 10-0. 

Niall Evalds raced over for Salford’s third try after a lovely pass from loose forward Mark Flanagan. Chamberlain with the conversion giving Salford a 16-0 lead after 15 minutes.

A mistake from Salford on the next set deep in there own half handed Swinton there first attacking opportunity. The Lions took full advantage, Mike Butt following up a teasing kick to score. Oscar Thomas converting superbly off the touch line 16-6.

Swinton’s Joy was short lived with Lui showing amazing strength to barge over with plenty of defenders in attendance. Chamberlain pulled his kick wide this time, 20-6.

Hastings and Lui continued to cause havoc for the Swinton defence but full credit to Stuart Littler’s men who held there nerve scrambling bravely.

Salford finally broke the visitors resistance six minutes from the break. Ed Chamberlain finished off a slick move to score. The winger converted his try 26-6.

On the very next set Hastings glided through to set up Sau for his second try.

Chamberlains kick off the touch line is pulled well wide in the breeze.

Salford lead 30-6 at half time.

The first action of the second half see a thrilling break from Lui and kris Welham. Swinton’s Lewis Hatton is sin binned for holding down. Salford make the extra man count with Greg Johnson squeezing in at the corner.

Flanagan then links with Evalds, the loose forward with another trade mark pass sends Niall away. Joey Lussick is on hand to finish the move with a fine try. Lussick Salford’s third kicker of the afternoon drags the kick wide.

Welham with a fine tip on pass sees Johnson grab his second try.

With 17 minutes remaining Connor Davies-Aspey replaced Robert Lui. The youngsters first involvement is to help assist another Salford try with the busy Lussick touching down again and converting. 48-6. 

Mike Butt was sent to the sin bin for holding down Derrell Olpherts. A harsh decision after the Swinton winger had raced back producing a super try saving tackle.

Davies-Aspey had the crowd on there feet as he shot through a gap. Perhaps just passing a second to early as the Lions cover arrived. Moments later the dazzling 16 year old got his timing to perfection sending Olpherts over for the final try. Ian Watson was delighted with the short spell his foundation starlet played paying thanks to foundation head coach Danny Barton.

For Salford it’s a step up against the champions Wigan next Sunday. 

Swinton Lions gave a good account of themselves against full time opposition. There supporters travelled in good numbers and were loud all afternoon. 

Salford 52 Swinton 6

Paul Whiteside.
Pictures by Steve Mccormick