Salford Red Devils v Wakefield Match report

The word on the street billed this match as ‘a must win game’. Another very blustery afternoon would go on to hamper the kicking games of both teams who got more cautious as the match went on.

It was Wakefield who started the brighter of the two sides. Salford handed the visitors early attacking opportunities but Trinity failed to capitalise. Despite being under the cosh Ken Sio and Tui Lolohea combined brilliantly after some good work from Pauli Pauli. Lolohea scored the try but failed to convert. 4-0 after fourteen minutes.

Rhys Williams and Dan Sarginson worked hard for Salford returning the ball with a steely determination. Niall Evalds put in another accomplished display at fullback. 

It was the home sides pack that was struggling though as Wakefield began to dominate up the middle. Another defensive clock off allowed Trinity half back Max Jowitt to burst through and level the scores.

Jowitt converted to put the visitors into a deserved lead. Another break threatened to extend the advantage but Salford breathed a huge sigh of relief when Alex Walker knocked on.  4-6 at half time the game was in the balance.

Substitute Mark Flanagan tried his best to stamp his authority on the game and it was his pass that helped work a nice try for Ken Sio. This nudged Salford back in front, Lolohea missed the conversion. 8-6.

The Red Devils lead didn’t last long. More mistakes allowed Trinity to get back on the front foot. After keeping the ball alive with some enterprising play winger Tom Johnstone crossed to score. Jowitt’s conversion edged Wakefield ahead again at 8-12.

Jacob Miller and Jowitt were bossing the game and pulling the strings. After forcing a drop out Reece Lynne set up the next try with a superb offload for Bill Tupou.

Salford’s contact in defence seemed soft at times and the next Trinity try certainly highlighted that. Kelepi Tanginoa walked through some shoddy tackling to put daylight between the teams.

Ken Sio scored his second try with eight minutes remaining but that’s as good as it got for Salford. Another disappointing performance left coach Ian Watson very down beat at full time. “We lacked it straight from the off, we looked flat. That’s not good enough.” 

Looking ahead to next week Watson spoke of making changes, “some people are still believing the hype from last year. At the moment I think people are lacking. Their has got to be changes on the back of that because we can’t keep rolling with that group.”

Salford travel to France next weekend when they face Catalans Dragons next Saturday.

Salford 12 Wakefield 22.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Mike Inkley

View from the commentary box - Salford Red Devil’s

Salford sufferer home defeat against Leeds Rhinos at the AJ Bell Stadium. Salfords lack of fit bodies available after losing 3 interchanges to injury and some indifferent refereeing decitions left coach Ian Watson frustrated.

Injuries and suspensions will have a big effect on any team and Salford are doing it tough at the moment.

I am sure that Ian Watson and the players will draw on the experience of last seasons heroics to guide themselves thought the current choppy waters.

With Salfords run of home games coming to an end against Wakefield they now face a tough few weeks with trips to Catalan Dragons and Hull FC to come.

Salford have worked hard in the community over the last few weeks with engagement with schools in the area and local rugby clubs helping to build the clubs profile in the city.

The Castleford Tigers game on the 20th March is another opportunity for the local schools, Colleges, Universities and community group to attend the game for free. With over 900 child attending last time the offer was available it shows there is a demand and a hunger to watch Rugby league in community.

This is a fantastic offer to potential new fans and will give the organisations great exposure on a match day.

The Supporters Trust are involved in running supporters buses to the game which allows fans to get to the game if they don’t have a car themselves or can’t use pubic transport.

The Supporters Trust hosted a Mowtown and Soul night in the Bluebell this Friday, it was a success with Ed Chamberlain and Krisnan Inu in attendance.

Ex player Paul Southern and Reserve Team coach Danny Barton recieved their Salford Red Devil’s heritage numbers too, this celebration shows that us supporters celebrate our rich history as well as look forward to the future.

The club are reaily engaging with the community to help grow its fan base, with a increase in season ticket holders for 2020 the tactic seems to be working which is good news.

 Salford Red Devil’s this week announced season ticket holders can save 10% across food and drink at the AJBell_Stadium concourse kiosks on matchdays

This is not including confectionery items, the marquee, the Seven Brothers beer pumps and the lounges around the stadium.

Any savings on a match day are welcomed by match going Reds.

Wakefield Trinity visit the AJ Bell Stadium on Sunday afternoon and Ian Watson will be looking to get back to winning ways.

After missing the defeat against Leeds Rhinos last week Lee Mossop and Dan Sarginson return to the squad, this is a boost ahead of this crutial fixture.

If Salford can record a victory it will boost confidence ahead of a trip to Catalan next week, it will not be a easy game Wakefield have quality all over the field so Salford will need to be on their game to record the win

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Blog by Rob Parkinson

Salford Red Devil’s v Wakefield Big match preview

It’s over twenty years now since Wakefield gained promotion back to the top flight of Rugby League. Trinity won a glorious Division one Grand Final victory over Featherstone Rovers back in September 1998 in front of a crowd of 8,224. Since then they’ve managed to survive some mighty dog fights at the bottom of the table as well as some really solid seasons where they have competed in the playoffs. It’s fair to say for a club their size Wakefield have punched above their weight. Many of the elite teams in the Super League have been put to the sword at the famous old Belle Vue Stadium. 

Perhaps it’s looking a little tired these days but it remains a traditional ground of the sport. A place that has seen many greats of the game play over the years including the legendary Neil Fox, David Topliss and Derek Turner. Between the three of them they played over 1200 games for the Dreadnoughts. The club were the team to beat in the 1960s. Lifting two Championships in 1967 and 1968. They also triumphed at Wembley three times in 1960, 1962 and 1963.

After a really positive start to the 2019 season injuries took their toll on coach Chris Chester’s squad. Trinity had to fight for survival in a real thrilling relegation dog fight that involved four other clubs. On the final round of the season London, Wakefield, Hull Kingston Rovers and Huddersfield knew what they had to do to stay up. Either one could of fell through the trap door to the Championship. A nervy 19-10 victory over London saw Trinity survive and condemned the valiant Broncos to the drop.

Tom Johnstone is one of the hottest properties in the Super League. The lighting fast winger suffered an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury last year. He’s back in 2020 and started the season in fine form. In the close season coach Chris Chester was extremely busy on the recruitment front. London duo Alex Walker and Jay Pitts have moved to West Yorkshire and former Salford hooker Josh Wood is re building his career with Trinity after an injury ravaged 2019. Two very experienced players have signed in Ryan Atkins and Joe Westerman. Atkins begins his second spell with the club having made over 100 appearances between 2006 and 2009.

Super League Home Record.

Salford 15

Draws 1

Wakefield 9

1999 Salford 28 Wakefield 14

2000 Salford 14 Wakefield 22

2001 Salford 26 Wakefield 16

2001 Salford 24 Wakefield 32

2002 Salford 42 Wakefield 18

2002 Salford 22 Wakefield 22

2004 Salford 20 Wakefield 27

2005 Salford 16 Wakefield 14

2005 Salford 37 Wakefield 0

2006 Salford 48 Wakefield 10

2006 Salford 26 Wakefield 12

2007 Salford 18 Wakefield 35

2009 Salford 24 Wakefield 30

2010 Salford 16 Wakefield 12

2011 Salford 34 Wakefield 12

2012 Salford 34 Wakefield 42 (played at Leigh)

2013 Salford 10 Wakefield 46

2014 Salford 18 Wakefield 14

2015 Salford 24 Wakefield 18

2015 Salford 34 Wakefield 26 (middle eights)

2016 Salford 38 Wakefield 8

2017 Salford 24 Wakefield 34

2017 Salford 18 Wakefield 43 (Super 8s)

2018 Salford 38 Wakefield 4

2019 Salford 44 Wakefield 20

They played for both.

Here are a few players who represented both clubs:

Ben Jones Bishop, Mason Caton Brown, Tim Smith, Kevin Locke, Matty Ashurst, Ged Byrne, Garen Casey, Shane Kenward, Jason Critchley, Ashley Gibson, Sean Gleeson, Bobbie Goulding, Josh Griffin, George Griffin, Darrell Griffin, Phil Hassan, James Hasson, Stuart Howarth, Alan Hunte, Greg Johnson, Warren Jowitt, Andy Kirk, Tommy Lee, Francis Maloney, Martin Moana, Kris Tassell, Jason Walton, Jeremy Smith and Craig Kopzack.

A match to remember Saturday 17th August 2002.

Salford 22 Wakefield 22

With both sides battling at the wrong end of the table the two points on offer here we’re priceless. Salford we’re having a miserable season. Big defeats away from home and at The Willows we’re becoming far to frequent. 

Wakefield went ahead in the sixth minute with a penalty from Ian Knott before a Steve Blakeley try and two Graham Holroyd goals put Salford 8-2 up.

Wakefield drew level when Andrew Frew collected Deon Bird's pass to go over and Knott landed a penalty after a high tackle by Andy Coley on Paul Jackson.

The teams went in level at half time 8-8.

Early in the second half, the impressive Brad Davis added a drop goal.

The Australian half back was a constant threat with his organisational skills.

Danny Arnold put Salford back in front on the hour with a well taken try before Wakefield took a commanding ten point lead. 

Andrew Frew touched down from a kick through, Davis added the conversion and then booted his second drop goal before capping a fine display by finishing off Deon Bird's break for a try, which he then converted.

Salford now staring down the barrel of another defeat needed something special and they certainly got it. 

Arnold squeezed in at the corner for his second try before sub Ian Watson darted over and Graham Holroyd coolly landed the conversion to level the match. After a frantic finale both sides had to settle for a point in a 22-22 draw.

The relegation battle when right down to the wire. Salford had to beat Castleford on the final day of the season at The Willows to survive. Sadly another poor performance and a 10-20 defeat resulted in relegation to National League one. 

The club re grouped under coach Karl Harrison and a terrific season in 2003 saw Salford back in the big time after promotion. 

The teams that day; 

Salford: Gibson, Reardon, Maloney, Hunte, Arnold, Holroyd, Blakeley, Baynes, Alker, Highton, Ebrill, Treacey, Wainwright. Subs: Southern, Price, Coley, Watson.

Wakefield: Holland, Sovatabua, Tassell, Bird, Frew, Moana, Davis, Jackson, Vowles, Feather, Slattery, Field, Knott. Subs: Broadbent, March, Handforth, Ellis.

Referee: Russell Smith (Castleford)

Attendance: 3,217.

 Sundays match .

Both sides will be looking for improvement to their recent form. Salford have lost back to back home matches against Huddersfield and Leeds. Perhaps the most concerning thing at the moment for Ian Watson is some early season injury problems. Krisnan Inu hobbled off early on last week, Luke Yates failed a head assessment, Dan Sarginson and Lee Mossop are both injured.

 Kevin Brown will also miss this match through suspension. Wakefield have won one match so far. Trinity surprised Warrington with an excellent victory at Belle Vue sending the Wolves packing 18-8. A disappointing defeat in the opening round at Hull Kingston Rovers and a 32-15 derby defeat at Castleford last week leave both sides desperate to kick start their season. 

Talking of injury problems Wakefield have been hit by two big blows with Joe Arundel and Ryan Hampshire both suffering injuries last Friday. Arundel will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury while Hampshire is out for six weeks with a broken jaw.

Trinity have plenty of ex Salford players in their squad which will definitely add to what looks an intriguing encounter. 

The action gets under way at 3pm. 

Safe travels and enjoy the match everyone. 

Paul Whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford Red Devils v Leeds Rhinos Match report

Another blustery afternoon awaited both teams at kick off. Leeds arrived on the back of a good victory last weekend as Salford looked to get back on track. 

A booming kick to start the match caught the Rhinos off guard. The swirling wind pulled the ball away from Luke Gale giving the Red Devils an early attacking opportunity. Two more errors hampered the visitors but Salford’s attack seemed slightly predictable. With Kevin Brown suspended Chris Atkin made his debut partnering Tui Lolohea at half back.

Krisnan Inu returned for the injured Dan Sarginson but sadly Inu left the field in the early stages with what looked like a lower limb injury as he hobbled off. Ian Watson shuffled his side round with Ryan Lannon moving into the centres.

The first points of the match came in the twentieth minute as the dead lock was broken with a fine Salford try. Lolohea with a neat pass to Niall Evalds who sliced through the Leeds defence like a knife through hot butter.

Sebastine Ikahihifo began to put himself about with some tremendous carries and Kris Welham looked solid in defence. 

Salford doubled the lead when former Leeds player Lolohea ran the ball on the last tackle showing great strength to crash over. The try was a sweet moment for the Tongan who showed his delight.

The Red Devils had certainly upped the pace and were now bossing the match.

A kick charge down from new signing Oliver Roberts gave Leeds a sniff. Brad Dwyer shot through a gap before sending Gale away to score right on the half time hooter. Gale’s conversion made it 8-6 at the break. 

Salford started the second half on the front foot with a huge Joey Lussick forty twenty kick. Again the chance went begging with another error to let Leeds off the hook. 

Richie Myler’s introduction seemed to speed to Rhinos up particularly around the ruck. 

The match seemed to turn on a controversial call from referee Marcus Griffiths. Niall Evalds took a high ball with real bravery, however he looked to be tackled in the air. The penalty didn’t come, instead Salford were forced to drop out.

Leeds moved the ball well and winger Luke Briscoe finished acrobatically in the corner. Gale missed the conversion but the visitors nudged in front for the first time at 8-10.

Salford were low on numbers with a Luke Yates failing a head assessment and Tyrone McCarthy struggling. Leeds scored again with a simple try from forward Mikolaj Oledzki. Gale stretched the lead to eight points with the conversion and shortly after booted over a penalty goal 8-18.

The Red Devils never really looked a threat in the second half. The frustration of the home supporters was their for all to see. Plenty of dubious and questionable penalty decisions seem to only go one way.

A desperate late Salford attack went wrong when Lannon’s off load went astray. A counter attack ended in a fourth Leeds try. Young fullback Jack Walker  rounding off the scoring.

Salford coach Ian Watson was left furious after the match. Speaking about the tackle in the air on Evalds, “ it’s a massive turning point, it’s ridiculous to be fair.

It’s a dead set penalty and that turns the game. Ganson (the controller of referees) needs to contact us, we kept contacting him myself personally. He’s not come back to us. We’re not popular, we’re not Wigan or St. Helens, it’s like we’re not important so they just ignore us and send referees like that.”

Watson’s passion for Salford is very commendable and he will be working his socks off with his players to get the victory next Sunday when they host Wakefield Trinity.

Salford 8 Leeds 22.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Ollie Roberts

View from the Commentary box - Manchester United

Salford Red Devils v Leeds Rhinos big match preview

Salford v Leeds.

For supporters of a certain vintage this match is always eagerly anticipated when the fixtures are released. A bitter rivalry through the 1970s and one of the worst records in Rugby League over the past forty years add to the importance for Salford. Since Super League began in 1996 The Red Devils have won just three home games with Leeds and those three wins have all come fairly recently. Even pre Super league through the 70s, 80s and 90s victories over Leeds were a very rare and savoured occasion. 

Over the past fifteen years the Rhinos have created a Rugby League dynasty at Headingley. With their Golden Generation of players the trophies came thick and fast.

Over the past few years that group of players that brought eight Super League Titles and Three World Club Championships to West Yorkshire have one by one retired or left the club. 

By Leeds standards the last two seasons have been disappointing. A club in transition some say. That may well be but the Rhinos infrastructure is arguably the strongest in the country. A magnificent stadium with facilities that many football clubs would be proud. 

Salford will be looking to kick start their season after a tough contest with Huddersfield last Friday ended in a 10-12 defeat. The Red Devils will need to be on their guard as the Rhinos put fifty points past Tony Smith’s Hull kr last time out.

To add a bit of spice Robert Lui returns to the AJ Bell Stadium and Tui Lolohea will be looking to get one over the club that dumped him last season.

Super League Home Record.

Salford 3

Draws 0

Leeds 20

1997 Salford 20 Leeds 33

1998 Salford 6 Leeds 40

1999 Salford 30 Leeds 38

2000 Salford 26 Leeds 34

2001 Salford 14 Leeds 19

2002 Salford 16 Leeds 48

2004 Salford 0 Leeds 44

2005 Salford 12 Leeds 30

2006 Salford 18 Leeds 24

2006 Salford 18 Leeds 19

2007 Salford 26 Leeds 30

2009 Salford 24 Leeds 30

2010 Salford 22 Leeds 31

2011 Salford 22 Leeds 30

2012 Salford 16 Leeds 56

2013 Salford 16 Leeds 42

2014 Salford 18 Leeds 22

2015 Salford 18 Leeds 28

2016 Salford 14 Leeds 10

2017 Salford 24 Leeds 50

2018 Salford 38 Leeds 22

2019 Salford 14 Leeds 46

2019 Salford 28 Leeds 16

They played for both.

Here are a few players to wear the red of Salford and the blue and amber of Leeds.

Luke Burgess, Joel Moon, Mark Brooke-Cowden, Andrew Duneman, Ensene Famailo, Phil Ford, Ashley Gibson, Phil Hassan, Weller Hauraki, Ben Jones Bishop, Andy Kirk, Francis Maloney, Robert Lui, Richie Myler and David Young.

A match to remember Sunday 11th February 2007. 

Salford 26 Leeds 30. 

This was the opening match of the 2007 season. After Salford’s heroics of the previous season finishing 5th in the Super League coach Karl Harrison made some very exciting signings to strengthen his squad. Power house forward Mark Edmondson joined along with the exciting back Luke Dorn. Michael Korkidas had been a real fans favourite at his previous clubs and his signing made Salford’s pack quite a significant size! 

On a chilly afternoon at The Willows a bumper crowd of over 8,000 packed the terraces creating a terrific atmosphere at kick off.

The Rhinos started at a blistering pace leaving Salford shell shocked. 

New signing Brent Webb scored a brace of tries with Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow also going over in a thunderous first half display. John Wilshere raced over off a nice Aaron Moule pass to get Salford on the scoreboard.

6-22 down at halftime Wilshere grabbed his second try shortly after the break.

After Clinton Toopi had been penalised for a flop Salford moved the ball down field and Moule scored from dummy half from short range after Alker had gone close. Luke Robinson added the conversion to make it 16-22 after 49 minutes.

The Willows faithful were roaring their side on who had showed great character to rattle the Rhinos.

Leeds kicked a crucial penalty goal to post their first points of the second half.

The visitors then had a large slice of luck land their way after 69 minutes when Wilshere lost control of the ball after taking a cross field bomb by McGuire and Jordan Tansey was on hand to touch the ball down. 16-30.

Salford wouldn’t go away and kept the ball moving with a renewed urgency. This time it was Gareth Haggerty who got the try after a driving run from close range. Robinson added the conversion to make it 22-30.

There was even more drama when Aaron Moule created the extra man out wide to score after a flowing move across the entire width of the pitch. Robinson could not add the conversion though but the Rhinos lead was cut to just four points at 26-30. This set up a real frantic, grandstand finish. Unfortunately Salford couldn’t get the heroic last gasp try they deserved.

Both sides seasons couldn’t have ended in more contrasting circumstances.

Leeds finished second in the table and went through the playoffs to the Grand Final at Old Trafford. A memorable 33-6 thumping of St Helens saw them crowned champions. 

Salford finished bottom with just 13 points, 7 points

adrift of Hull Kingston Rovers. Relegation to National League one was a bitter pill to swallow. 

The teams that day;

Salford, Hodgson; Halliwell, McGuinness, Moule, Wilshere; Dorn, Robinson; Coley, Alker, Jewitt, Edmondson, Littler, Finnigan. Subs used: Korkidas, Haggerty, Adamson, Brocklehurst. Tries: Wilshere (2), Moule (2), Haggerty. Goals: Robinson (3).

Leeds, Webb, Donald, Toopi, Senior, Gibson, McGuire, Burrow, Bailey, Diskin, Leuluai, Lauiti’iti, Ellis, Sinfield. Subs used: Sructon, Jones Buchanan, Tansey, Thackray. Tries: Webb (2), Burrow, McGuire, Tansey.

Attendance: 8,071.

Referee, Ian Smith.

Saturdays match .

Looking ahead to Saturday you get the feeling that this match could be won in the battle of the packs. Against Huddersfield in round three Salford lacked their usual grunt upfront. Gil Dudson missed out through illness, Sebastine Ikahihifo couldn’t play due to his loan agreement and Adam Walker is still unavailable.

Coach Ian Watson will be hoping to get Dudson back in the front row with Lee Mossop.

Watson will also be sweating on half back Kevin Brown. Brown was sin binned after an ugly and perhaps clumsy clash with Jordan Turner in the closing stages last Friday. Tui Lolohea shouldn’t need any motivation for the fixture and will be looking to impress.

As well as Robert Lui the Rhinos possess another quality half back in Luke Gale. The former Castleford Tigers talisman signed in the close season after five seasons at Wheldon Road. If these two can click in 2020 Leeds could make a big impact.

Rhinos head coach Richard Agar as an exciting crop of young players awaiting their chance as well as over seas stars Conrad Hurrell, Adam Cuthbertson and Matt Prior to call on. It’s an impressive looking squad and Salford will need to be at their best defensively to combat the pace and power Leeds will throw at them.

Salford have plenty of attacking weapons of their own. Dan Sarginson has really caught the eye so far this season. Wingers Ken Sio and Rhys Williams provide pace and can both finish when provided a chance.

Joey Lussick had a fantastic match the last time the two sides met. Salford won at Headingley 12-20 last year and Lussick with his pace from dummy half caused Leeds a raft of trouble all match. 

The Red Devils could be forced to make changes as Kevin Brown awaits his fate this week. With Chris Atkin patiently waiting for his opportunity he could be the man to fill in if needed.

This promises to be an explosive encounter and a match not to be missed. 

The action gets under way at 2pm. 

Safe travels and enjoy the match everyone. 

Paul Whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

View from the commentary box - Salford Red Devils

Salford Red Devil’s suffered a home defeat last week against Huddersfield Giants. It was a close game with tries from Ken Sio and Dan Sarginson making it a 10 all score line going into the final stage of the game.

Unfortunately for Salford Tui Lolahea missed a chance of a drop goal and to make things worse experienced half back Kevin Brown was sent to the sin bin for a head butt in a tackle on Jordan Turner.

I feel this was a harsh decision for Kevin and Salford,  there was contact between Kevin’s head and Jordan Turner but I refuse to believe it was a deliberate act to injure or hurt Jordan Turner. 

With Kevin brown off the field Huddersfield had a opportunity to win the game which they eventually did from a penalty under the posts, Ian Watson refused to hit the panic button after the game. Defeat against Huddersfield at home in previous years may have caused a panic situation to grow but under Ian Watson’s stewardship their is a sense of confidence that the players brought in will help improve the team for 2020 so another good season is on the horizon.

A new face arrived at the AJ Bell Stadium this week with Oliver Roberts moving to Salford from Huddersfield on loan for the 2020 season.

The 6,4 forward who was selected to be in the England Knight squad in 2019 and a full Irish international,  he has the size and experience to add that extra quality to Ian Watson’s squad.

Roberts who is 25 played for Salfords youth teams upto 2013 before signing for Bradford will be looking to play well to either gain a contract at the AJ Bell next year or for Huddersfield to make him part of their plans again.

Another Salford rugby league player who has made the headlines is local player Jonny Openshaw, a product of Folly Lane he has been selected to train with the England      Community Lions  ahead of their European Championships later in the year. Openshaw has potential to go a long way in the game and this will help his development. One day he could be pulling on the famous red jersey at the AJ Bell Stadium.

The sad news this week is Salford prop Adam Walker has left the club, a real rough tough forward who gave the pack that nastiness will be missed. Walkers appearance from the subs bench in the Grandfinal gave Salford a 2nd wind which put them back in contention going into half time. It’s safe to say that with 26 appearances and 4 tries will be remembered.

Adam has been out of favour this season so far and a change in his circumstances has resulted in his release. The club has released a statement to say that it will help Adam with this transition, I wish him well in the future.

Salford face Leeds Rhinos at the AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday. Leeds last week put a big score on Hull KR as Salford lost narrowly to Huddersfield both sides will be looking for the win.

With Salford currently enjoying a run of home games it is important this is taken advantage of and Salford pick up points.

Leeds have quality in their squad with ex Man of Steel Luke Gale and ex Salford favourite Rob Lui they have players who can cause Salford real problems.

Salford are a team who are developing, during our run to the Super League Grand Final we faced many challenges which we overcame.

I feel that the extra pressure on us this year going into games like this one will have a positive effect. The players reached great heights in consistency under pressure last season and it will help when playing big games like this one on Saturday.

New faces have come in and given us a extra dimension to our play and it will be exciting to see this squad and team develop over the weeks and months to come.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Blog by Rob Parkinson

View from the Commentary box - Manchester United

Manchester United are currently enjoying their winter break in Valencia, without a game for two weeks it gives the players a break from the rough and tumble of Premier League football and allows them to regain fitness or rest.

The question is it good for the game and the league that there is a two week break in the middle of the season?

In many European countries a winter break is in place. Many players and managers sing the praises of the process saying it allows them quality training sessions and helps them refocus for the rest of the season.

The Winter break has arrived in the Premier League and so far all clubs have used this time to rest and recuperate but how long will this last?

With money hungry clubs wanting to open new markets and revenue streams will clubs he looking to incorporate a mid season money spinning game to a audience which usually has to wait for a pre season or post season tour??

Traditionalists like the football around this time of year, snow, heavy rain, cup games all helps fatigue to set in and championships can be won or lost as teams drop off the pace.

Will the winter break now prevent this from happening?.

The positive idea behind the mid season break in the Premier league is that English football will be the same as most of the other clubs in Europe. This means the English players will have that rest period going into international tournaments which might give them extra boost might help secure a international trophy.

The other big news of the week is the announcement that Manchester United are investigating these possibility of rail seats being installed at Old Trafford.

Since the tragedy of Hillsbrough and Heysel the Football Association and the government banned terraces at the highest level of the game which has created in some cases soaless football grounds with no atmosphere which ultimately hurts the game.

In Most European countries including our neighbors Scotland have already installed rail seats and allows people to stand at a football match in a orderly fashion and generate a atmosphere.

It remains to be seen if Manchester United and the rest of the premier league agree between themselves to allow rail seats into the premier league. Money is a big factor I feel in this situation, can clubs sell seats to supporters who want to going to the game if it’s not going be used?? 

Manchester United are back in action on Monday against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

Manchester United are currently 6 points adrift of the 4th place Chelsea and with games starting to run out is so important United try and close the gap. 

A win early in the season against Chelsea gave Ole and the fans confidence at the time that  Man Utd were on the right track, since then it’s been a bit inconsistent for Manchester United but I think Ole is confident he can get another result.

New signings Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo will feature and Ole Gunna Solskjaer will be looking for a instant impact from both on Monday night to keep the confidence growing with the challenges that lay ahead of Manchester’s Red Devil’s.

Pictures from Man Utd social media

Blog by Rob Parkinson

Salford Red Devils v Huddesfield Giants Match report

After a miserable few days on the weather front the rain held off at the AJ Bell Stadium for Salford’s clash with Huddersfield. 

The Giants match with Leeds had been postponed last weekend but after an excellent away victory in round one at Catalans in Perpignan, Simon Woolford’s team were looking for two more points on the road. 

Salford started the game on the front foot forcing drop outs to test the visitors defence. Kris Welham came up with a piece of centre play right out of the top drawer to put Ken Sio in with a shout of a try but he was marginally in touch. 

The video referee was called in to action in the thirteenth minute as Sio again looked to squeeze in at the corner. Referee James Child awarded a try on the field but this was over turned after checking the various replays.

Huddersfield took the lead with a try from Adam O Brien. The busy Giants hooker snatching a try from close range. Aidan Sezer converted 0-6.

Ken Sio then made it third time lucky after slick passing from Niall Evalds and Kevin Brown put him over to score. Tui Lolohea’s goal attempt fell well short, 4-6.

It’s fair to say the first half had become a real arm wrestle. Neither side getting on top and not much fluidity in attack. 

The first action of the second half saw Tyrone McCarthy kick through for Evalds who desperately tried to pinch the try. The video referee was again called in to action and the try was denied.

Salford kept the pressure on and moments later they were rewarded when all action centre Dan Sarginson crashed over to nudge the Red Devils in front. Lolohea booted the goal of the touch line to put his side ahead 10-6.

Former Canberra Raiders star Sezer began to pull the strings for the Giants. Some of his kicks were slightly off kilter but his wonderful cut out pass found young winger Louis Senior who touched down to level the scores at 10-10.

Huddersfield took the ascendancy and began to play with a renewed energy. Jordan Turner forced a drop out as the pressure ramped up an extra few notches. To Salford’s credit their defence was up to the task.

Hard working Welham dumped Senior into touch with a crunching tackle as both sides scrapped for field position and territorial advantage.

As the match entered the closing five minutes it looked like a drop goal would be the favoured option for either side to grab the glory. Lolohea had a go but his kicked was dragged well wide of the mark. 

What happened next certainly cost Salford the match. Referee Child looked to have a awarded Salford a penalty within kicking distance. A huge fracas followed with Kevin Brown in the middle of it. The Red Devils scrum half was sent to the sin bin for a challenge on Turner. The Giants were awarded the penalty and moved down the pitch on the attack. Lee Mossop was pinged for off side bang in front of the posts with two minutes remaining. Sezer took the gift penalty goal on offer to wrap up the two points to send the Giants back to West Yorkshire with the narrow win. 

Salford coach Ian Watson took plenty of positives from the match and feels his new look side are improving despite the defeat. “A couple of bad reads meant we conceded two rubbish tries really. We’ll fix them up we just know that theirs certain things that we can be better at and improve at if we are going to be a top team”. 

Salford are at home again next Saturday when they face Leeds Rhinos at the AJ Bell Stadium. 

Final score Salford 10 Huddersfield 12.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford Red Devils v Huddesfield Giants Big Match preview

Salford v Huddersfield.

Many pundits don’t think much of the chances of either club in 2020. Perhaps the biggest surprise of round one was the Giants excellent away win at Catalans. The Dragons have made some eye catching signings in the close season to add to their already talented squad. A comprehensive display saw the French side well beaten 12-32 by Huddersfield.

The Giants were due to face Leeds Rhinos in round two but that game was postponed due to very poor weather conditions in West Yorkshire. 

After Salford’s thumping at St. Helens in round one the Red Devils battled to a hard fought win at home to Toronto last weekend.

Kevin Brown and Tui Lolohea are both finding their feet now. Their halfback partnership showed some really good signs. Brown has all the tricks in the book with a lovely accurate passing ability. Lolohea’s kicking game last weekend was superb.

Dan Sarginson picked up the man of the match award against Toronto and it was fully deserved. The former Wigan centre has a tremendous step and its great to see the aggression he plays with. In Sarginson and Kris Welham Salford have two classy centres who can supply plenty of ammunition to their wing partners this season.

2019 was a disappointing season for Huddersfield. A tenth place finish saw them just about survive a huge relegation scare, finishing just two points above bottom side London Broncos. 

The Giants have plenty of potential with an exciting crop of young players on the scene. Ambitious young coach Simon Woolford has made some real smart recruitment in the off season. Australian half back Aidan Sezer  is one of those players that has the X factor. He can lead a team round the pitch and comes to England with an excellent reputation having been a real lynch pin for Gold Coast Titans and Canberra Raiders over the past several years. If he gets it right and has the same effect Jackson Hastings had for Salford last season could the Giants be the surprise package of 2020?

Super League Home Record.

Salford 13

Draws 0

Huddersfield 9

1998 Salford 40 Huddersfield 6

1999 Salford 14 Huddersfield 15

2000 Salford 18 Huddersfield/Sheffield 8

2001 Salford 28 Huddersfield 14

2004 Salford 18 Huddersfield 25

2005 Salford 24 Huddersfield 16

2006 Salford 36 Huddersfield 18

2007 Salford 14 Huddersfield 12

2009 Salford 10 Huddersfield 34

2010 Salford 30 Huddersfield 18

2011 Salford 24 Huddersfield 18

2012 Salford 20 Huddersfield 30

2013 Salford 21 Huddersfield 20

2014 Salford 22 Huddersfield 42

2015 Salford 0 Huddersfield 19

2016 Salford 30 Huddersfield 31

2016 Salford 34 Huddersfield 12 (Qualifiers)

2017 Salford 36 Huddersfield 20

2017 Salford 52 Huddersfield 14 (Super Eights)

2018 Salford 16 Huddersfield 24

2019 Salford 18 Huddersfield 36

2019 Salford 32 Huddersfield 12

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.

A match to remember, Saturday 9th September 2017.

Salford 52 Huddersfield 14.

After a tremendous adventure in the regular season Salford finished fourth in the League table. This set up our path into the Super Eights. It proved to be a very tough end to the season. Salford were comfortably beaten in their first four fixtures by Hull, Castleford, Wigan and Wakefield. This match gave the Red Devils faithful something to cheer with an emphatic dismantling of Huddersfield.

Salford had won the two regular season meetings, beating the Giants away 20-30 in round two and a 36-20 win at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Ian Watson’s men were definitely low on confidence, a losing streak of eight games on the trot including a Challenge Cup semi final defeat to Wigan had decimated the season. 

The Giants had no answer to the whirlwind that hit them in the first half. Kris Welham scored his 100th try of his career. Tyrone McCarthy and Kiwi winger Manu Vatuvei touched down before hard working centre Welham grabbed his second try.  Niall Evalds scored Salford’s fifth try of the half to put them in complete control at half time. Jermaine McGillvary’s try the Giants only points of the first 40.

Salford continued their onslaught after the break with quick fire tries from Vatuvei and youngster Jake Bibby. 

Some neat work from Robert Lui set up Ben Murdoch Masila to power over and with five minutes remaining the all action second rower Josh Jones touched down to cap off a fine display. 

The teams that day were;

Salford: Evalds, Bibby, Welham, Sa'u, Vatuvei, Lui, O'Brien, Kopczak, Tomkins, Hauraki, Murdoch-Masila, Jones, McCarthy.

Replacements: A. Walne, Brining, Lannon,

J. Walne.

Huddersfield: Rankin, McGillvary, Mellor, Turner, Ormsby, Gaskell, Brough, Ikahihifo, Leeming, Ta'ai, Roberts, Ferguson, Hinchcliffe.

Replacements: O'Brien, Rapira, Lawrence, Clough.

Referee: James Child 

Attendance 1,405.

Friday’s match .

This promises to be another exciting encounter under the lights at The AJ Bell Stadium. In my opinion we have the best pitch in the competition. It looked like at bowling green last Saturday and once again great credit needs to go to the ground staff for their hard work and expertise.

It is very likely Salford coach Ian Watson will keep faith with the players involved in last Saturday’s victory over Toronto. One slight concern will be the goal kicking. Just two successful conversions from the five tries last weekend saw watto change from Lolohea to Joey Lussick towards the end of the game.

Another intriguing battle will be fought between the two packs. Salford have some real grunt up front now with Gil Dudson, Lee Mossop and Sebastine Ikahihifo. Pauli Pauli is a real handful off the bench but the Giants have plenty of size in their squad to combat this. Ukuma Ta'ai is a very powerful player, Matty English impressed me last season and Suaia Matagi will be hard to stop.

As previously mentioned the Giants have a nucleus of young talent, Louis Senior is one to watch and Sam Wood is a real talent in the back line.

Aidan  Sezer will guide the team around the pitch but the Giants have made some other excellent pre season signings. Talented back Ashton Golding has joined from Leeds Rhinos and the versatile Kenny Edwards has arrived from Catalans.

Chester Butler the grandson of Salford RLFC legend and club hero Colin Dixon has moved to Huddersfield from close rivals Halifax.

Another player who always impresses me is Lee Gaskell. He could be set to partner Sezer at half back and along with Jordan Turner, Gaskell is another former Salford player. 

The action gets under way at 7:45pm

Safe travels and enjoy the match everyone. 

Paul Whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

View from the commentary box - Salford Red Devil’s

Salford Red Devil’s recorded their 1st win of 2020 by beating Toronto Wolfpack at the AJ Bell Stadium 24-16.

It was a hard fought battle between two sides in front of a strong 4500 crowd as Salford came out on top.

The try of the game came from Ryhs Williams, the Welsh Salford winger collected the ball in his own 20 metres threw and dummy and ran fully 80 metres running around Toronto Fullback Gary Wheeler to score to the delight of the Salford faithful.

The other Salford backs were competitive throughout but Dan Sarginson stood out as man of the match for me.

The England Knight centre showed he has the ability to turn a game and was a constant thorn in the Toronto team throughout the game and came up with the crutial score late in the 2nd half to make the game safe for Salford.

The game can be viewed on RDTV in full, the clubs TV channel is becoming very popular and is a must for any fans wanting to get the inside scoop on what is happening at the club.

There were milestones to celebrate to within the squad with Salford prop forward Lee Mossop recording his 200th super league appearance, Niall Evalds scoring on his 150th game for Salford and Pauli Pauli’s 100th career performance which included a disallowed try for the big forward shows this squad is full of experience and quality.

Ian Watson will he happy how the team dealt with Toronto Wolfpack’s Sonny Bill Williams. The big New Zealand forward showed glimpses of class particularly in his 2nd spell on the field but Salford had him wrapped up most of the time.

The most heartwarming part of his performance was after with the crowds boosted by 900 school children from the local area that waited behind after the final hooter for a selfie and autograph. He may be a super star in both codes of the game but he is down to earth enough to realise that fans meeting their hero will create a memory that will live forever.

A youthful reserve team were also in action this weekend, they dodged the storm devouring the county and travelled  to Newcastle to Face the Thunder.

Unfortunately despite two tries from Connor Maccallum Danny Barton’s men went down to defeat 23-16.

It has been reported in the press that with prop Adam Walker taking time out away from the club for personal reasons and Ian Watson is in the market for a player to boost his squad it shows that Ian would like maybe one more player so the squad is ready for the challenges that are ahead. 

Huddersfield Giants are the next team to arrive at the AJ Bell Stadium on Friday night. With their last game against Leeds Rhinos postponed due to Storm Ciara they will have 80 minutes less in their tank which I feel is a disadvantage at this part of the season.

With Jordan Turner, Lee Gaskell and Adam Walne all involved at Huddersfield Giants it might add some extra spice to the contest.

Unfortunately Huddersfield prop forward Sebastian Ikahehefo will not be involved for Salford due to the term of his loan agreement between the two clubs.

It promises to be a facinating encounter. Confidence boosted the Salford Red Devil’s will be looking to make it 2 wins in 3 games in the 2020 season.

Pictures by Mike Inkley and Steve McCormick 

Blog by Rob Parkinson.

Salford V Toronto Match Report

A week can be a long time in Rugby League as we’ve seen so far in round two of the new season. Toronto Wolfpack arrived for this fixture on the back of a defeat to Castleford last Sunday. 

The pressure was slightly on Salford to bounce back from last Friday’s thumping at St Helens. Ian Watson brought Connor Jones in to the starting line up with Joey Lussick on the bench.

The opening stages were fairly edgy with both sides trying to feel their way into the game. Tui Lolohea tested the Wolfpack with some clever kicking. The swirling wind round the AJ Bell Stadium gave Toronto full back Blake Wallace all kinds of problems.

Salford came close to opening the scoring when Kevin Brown offloaded close to the line but referee James Child ruled a knock on.

After a slight delay for a Toronto injury the visitors brought on substitute Gary Wheeler. The former St. Helens and Warrington player scored a try off his first touch of the ball showing great determination to touch down.

Joey Lussick’s introduction in the 25th minute seemed to push Salford through the gears. Another lovely Lolohea kick this time found Kevin Brown who scored a well deserved try much to the delight of the home supporters.

One or two strange decisions took the shine of a really good half of Rugby League. At first Ken Sio intercepted but the referee had already blown for a Toronto obstruction. Salford were awarded the penalty but would much rather have taken the advantage.

Kris Welham was sent to the sin bin for what looked like a 50-50 Challenge with Wheeler off yet another superb Salford attacking kick. Hakim Miloudi was also sin binned after a fracas in the aftermath.

The Red Devils found another level after the break. Some great play from the all action raw boned Dan Sarginson. Lolohea took the try to extend the lead.

It soon became back to back tries, from the re start Rhys Williams pouched the kick off and ran the full length of the field taking the full back on the outside to score a thrilling try. 

At 16-4 down the Wolfpack showed tremendous spirit to keep battling away and they were rewarded when Wheeler touched down for his second try from a neat kick through. Brad Singleton stormed over with ten minutes remaining. Wallace converted to level the scores at 16-16.

Salford though showed great character and punished the Wolfpack with two late tries. Brown put Sarginson over for a well deserved try. The former Wigan centre put in a man of the match display of real quality. Full back Niall Evalds was Johnny on the spot in the right place at the right as usual to put the game to bed with a try three minutes from time.

Speaking after the match Salford coach Ian Watson said, “ I think it’s a really good performance, you’d say not your best in terms of playing style and everything else, getting the wins the most important thing. Today was about starting to build again and stick with those processes going forward. 

Watson was also very happy with the half back partnership that is developing between Lolohea and Brown. “Their starting to figure out each other and starting to learn about where they need to be for each other and at what times.” Speaking about star Welsh winger Rhys Williams’s wonderful try, “dragon is deceptive in the way he looks, he likes his food, he’s very quick, he doesn’t look the quickest but you saw today you put in him space and he’s gone!”

Salford are back in action on Friday in another home match against Huddersfield Giants. This promises to be another intriguing game.

Salford 24 Toronto 16.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Mike Inkley

Salford v Toronto Big match preview

Salford v Toronto

Their are still plenty of reasons to be cheerful as a Salford supporter. Last weeks heavy defeat at St Helens will hopefully provoke a good response from the players this Saturday. 

The Saints played some fantastic free flowing rugby league last week and everything they touched turned to gold. Their was plenty of honest graft and endeavour from Salford and one result in round one can soon be eradicated by some solid home performances in the coming weeks. 

Toronto Wolfpack got their first taste of top flight rugby league in a doubleheader at Headingley when they played Castleford on Sunday. The Tigers came out on top with a comfortable 10-28 victory. Former Salford players George Griffin and Derrell Olpherts made debuts in that match for Castleford.

Making his eagerly awaited debut for the Canadian side was Sonny Bill Williams.

The duel code international star has been one of the biggest stories of the off season with his own barrage of media attention. One things for sure Salford will be looking to nullify his threat with a big performance this week.

This is a match I am really looking forward to. We saw glimpses in the pre season games of our attacking flair and their were even some positive signs in last Friday’s defeat at Saints. 

The club have been busy off the field marketing this game with local schools and it will be great to see lots of youngsters enjoying the day. 

The two sides have met twice before and both those games were very physical and fiery affairs. The Wolfpack have ex Salford players Adam Sidlow, Andrew Dixon and Gareth O Brien in their 2020 squad. Joey Lussick’s brother Darcy could also be in contention for Saturday. 

Previous meetings.

Salford 2

Draws 0

Toronto 0

2017,  Salford 29 Toronto 22, Challenge cup.

2018,  Salford 28 Toronto 16, The Qualifiers.

They played for both.

Despite Toronto short existence there’s quite a few players who represented both clubs; Gareth O Brien, Adam Sidlow, Olsi Krasniqi, Andrew Dixon, Mason Caton Brown, Jake Emmitt, Cory Paterson, Reni Maitua and Luke Menzies.

A match to remember, 23rd April 2017.

Salford 29 Toronto 22.

This is the only time the two sides have met. A challenge cup tie last season.

Toronto were rolling over everyone in League one while Salford were having a fantastic season themselves. This victory for the Red Devil’s was the start of a seven match winning run.

It was a match full of controversy, Justin Carney was shown the red card and this match would be his last Salford appearance.

Toronto coach Paul Rowley brought his side to The AJ Bell Stadium brimming with confidence. There was an edge to the Wolfpack, they were physical and played it near to the knuckle. Salford did what they needed to do in difficult circumstances. As a supporter this match reminded me of a match against Leigh at the Willows in 2003. The Grand final qualifying semi final. A game in which Paul Rowley then playing for the Centurions was shown the red card.

Sometimes it’s about the result more than the performance and this cup was a fine example.

Debutant Ryan Brierley scored one of Toronto’s four tries having joined from Huddersfield in midweek.

It was the first competitive defeat that the Wolfpack, who had won all five of their League 1 matches in 2017, had suffered.

Kris Welham’s try put Salford in front but Liam Kay and Quentin Laulu-Togagae replied, and Brierley touched down for a debut score in between Johnson’s double for The Red Devil’s.

Michael Dobson and Gareth O’Brien, who also landed a second-half drop-goal, were the home side’s other scorers, while Fuifui Moimoi crossed late on for Toronto.

The teams that day were ;

Salford: O’Brien; Johnson, Jones, Welham, J Carney; Lui, Dobson; Mossop, Wood, Tasi, Griffin, Murdoch-Masila, Flanagan.

Subs, Bibby, Kopczak, Krasniqi, Walne.

Toronto Wolfpack: Wallace; Laulu-Togagae, Hall, Moimoi, Kay; Worthington, Pownall; Jacks, Beswick, Penkywicz, Bailey, Brierley, Laithwaite.

Subs, Whiting, Sidlow, Bussey, Wheeler.

Referee, Jack Smith

Attendance, 1,318

Saturday’s match .

In the first of four home games Ian Watson’s Red Devils will be eager to collect the two points on offer. Toronto are the new boys in Super League and are still a bit of an unknown quantity. The Wolfpack have a sizeable pack with plenty of experience. Jon Wilkin made his debut for Hull kr 18 years ago, after playing over 400 games for St Helens he moved to Toronto and helped them to promotion last season. 

Former Salford second rower Andrew Dixon has also played in some big matches over the years and scored a try in the Grand Final back in 2010. 

Sonny Bill Williams is without doubt the box office name in the squad. He started on the bench last week against Castleford with not much of an impact. Their is no doubt about the quality he possess and he will definitely be one to keep an eye on. 

Liam Kay and Matty Russell have plenty of pace on the flanks, Josh McCrone and Joe Mellor are likely to orchestrate things.

at half back. 

Ian Watson has quite a few players waiting for their opportunity. Several first team players who missed out on selection last Friday played for the newly formed Salford reserves on Saturday. In an entertaining match at a very blustery Ruskin Drive home of Pilkington Recs ARLFC, Saints edged out Salford 24-22. 

As we await the squad announcement later this week I wouldn’t be surprised if Salford’s is very similar to last week with perhaps the odd shuffle made in the pack. 

This match promises to have plenty of spice and on paper looks a real intriguing encounter. I am sure the Salford faithful will gave their team a heroes welcome after the pulsating experiences of 2019. Add to that the recent news of Ian Watson signing a new contract their is plenty to be excited about.

The action gets under way at 2pm.

Safe travels and enjoy the match everyone. 

Paul Whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

View from the Commentary box - Man Utd

It’s been another busy week both on and off the field for Manchester United. With a win at Man City but defeat in the league cup meant Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the Manchester United management team were under pressure to bring in more players in the recent transfer window. A  sense of anger and frustration had descended on the fans in the stands.

Reports of Manchester United’s CEO Ed Woodward’s house being attacked by angry United fans shows how far the frustration had gone.

Ed Woodward in the fans eyes takes a lot of blame for Manchester United’s current position. But in this current transfer window he has delivered players to boost Ole Gunnar Solskjaer squad.

The marathon race to sign Bruno Fanandez ended in success and his quality shown against Wolves on his debut at Old Trafford last weekend gave the Old Trafford faithful hope that his move will be a success.

There are other areas of concern that Ed Woodward has tried to fix, last week he signed Odion Ighalo on loan for the rest of the season from Chinese football team Shanghi Shenhua.

The Nigerian international who played previously in English football for Watford between 2014 and 2017 scoring 39 goals in 99 appearances.

Is he the fox in the box goal scorer Manchester United are missing?? We will find out soon as United step up their late charge to gain a Champions league place for 2021.

Creating chances and converting them to goals have been Manchester United’s problem in 2019/20 season, with Bruno and Odion on board now Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be looking for a bigger return for the chances created.

With the winter break now up and running and no games for 2 weeks it will give the squad opportunity to rest some tired bodies, integrate the new players into the squad and look to reenergise for the run in as the battle for a Champions League place is still on.

Robert Parkinson

Pictures from Man Utd Facebook 

View from the commentary box -Salford Red Devils

I cover a lot of exciting sports on Salford City Radios Sportszone and on the Devil in the Detail podcast.  I have decided to start writing a piece every week about the teams I report on which are Salford Red Devil’s, Manchester Storm and Manchester United.

Super league 2020 started for Salford with a difficult trip to Super league Grand final winners St Helens. The match was a repeat of the 2019 Grand final which Salford narrowly lost.

However this time around Saints showed in patches why they are red hot favourites to retain their crown in 2020

They were missing a few star players like James Roby but it didn’t seem to matter as Saints racked up the points.

Salford battled hard throughout the game in which we saw Rhys Williams 250th career appearance, the Welsh wingman has been impressive so far in 2020 playing his way so far into Ian Watson plans.

Ian Watson spoke of lessons being learned in defeat and with Salfords record away at St Helens bordering on horrendous fans on the terraces would probably have scratched this game off as a home win for the champions.

Next week the Toronto Wolfpack roll into town with their prize asset Sonny Bill Williams. The former All Black 2nd row forward will be looking to make a impression in Super League.

Salford Red Devil’s forward pack will be waiting for him and his Wolfpack team mates. It has been boosted in 2020 by the arrival of Sebastian Ikahihifo, Luke Yates and Pauli Pauli. They add considerable size, power, aggression and energy to an already solid workman like pack.

With Kevin Brown and Tui Lolahea pulling the strings behind this juggernaut set of forward players such as Niall Evalds, Ken Sio and Dan Sarginson will be looking to be in the hunt for tries in 2020.

Salford have tried their best to engage with the community in recent years, link ups with schools, colleges and universities as well as local sports clubs have seen a upsurge in new supporters.

The Toronto Wolfpack game is another opportunity for local school children to have a Super League experience. Director Paul Trainor is heading up the project and has been rewarded with increased interest from schools and colleges in the area which will result in a larger crowd than expected against the Wolfpack.

2020 looks set to be another exciting year both on and off the field for Salford, with a increase in sponsors, supporters, a new contract for Ian Watson and players who are hungry to repeat the successes of 2019 we are in for a real treat.

Robert Parkinson

Pictures by Steve McCormick