Leeds v Salford Red Devils DITD PREVIEW

With two rounds of the regular season left Salford sit in fourth position. A fantastic achievement so far for a team many people predicted to be battling at the foot of the table. A place in The Super League playoffs is almost in touching distance but The Red Devils know their is still plenty of work to be done. 

As a Salford supporter a trip to Headingley to face Leeds has always been quite a daunting prospect. Our very poor record there over the years has probably got something to do with that. It’s a bit like going on your driving test or taking an exam at school. You know you’ve got to do it. 

Salford have won on just three occasions away to Leeds in the last sixty years.

Those results were 18-19 in 1959, 13-28 in 1977 and 20-30 in 2009.

Over the past few seasons under coach Ian Watson Salford have lost some very tight contests and have been on the wrong end of some tough calls.

The Rhinos have struggled again this season and perhaps under achieved in many people’s eyes. In the close season Australian David Furner took over as coach and made some exciting signings. Expectations were high amongst the supporters but Furner‘s reign didn’t last long as he paid the price for his sides poor start to 2019. As an outsider looking in Furner’s treatment by Leeds seemed quite unfair. I suppose the question we will never know the answer too is should he have been given more time. 

Richard Agar is now at the helm for the rest of this season but it remains to be seen who will be in the hot seat come the start of 2020.

Leeds have flirted with relegation again this year, however last weekend’s win over London Broncos in the capital will guarantee their safety for top flight Rugby League next year. 

Salford boss Ian Watson in determined mood. 

Salford have won six games on the trot and confidence is flowing through the team. Their seems a real belief and togetherness. Ian Watson has built a trust and culture amongst his group of players that no amount of money can buy.

The long suffering supporters are starting to believe that maybe their club is on the cusp of something very special. A top five finish would be remarkable considering the resources the club are playing with. Victory in the final two regular season matches could see a top three finish. Momentum and form can make a team dangerous and if Salford can keep winning matches the way they have been doing recently no team will be relishing facing them. 

Super League away record.

Leeds 21

Draws 0

Salford 1

1997 Leeds 34 Salford 18

1998 Leeds 31 Salford 12

1999 Leeds 50 Salford 16

2000 Leeds 42 Salford 16

2001 Leeds 56 Salford 6

2002 Leeds 39 Salford 38

2004 Leeds 34 Salford 6

2005 Leeds 54 Salford 14

2006 Leeds 20 Salford 12

2007 Leeds 52 Salford 14

2009 Leeds 20 Salford 30

2010 Leeds 22 Salford 10

2011 Leeds 46 Salford 12

2012 Leeds 46 Salford 12

2013 Leeds 42 Salford 14

2014 Leeds 32 Salford 4

2015 Leeds 70 Salford 6

2016 Leeds 8 Salford 0

2017 Leeds 20 Salford 14

2017 Leeds 44 Salford 2 (super 8s)

2018 Leeds 20 Salford 0

2018 Leeds 18 Salford 16 (the qualifiers)

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, Richie Myler, David Young and Robert Lui.

Ashley Gibson, a prolific try scorer for Leeds and Salford.

A match to remember  Monday 13th April 2009

Leeds 20 Salford 30.

Easter 2009 turned out to be a very successful one for Shaun McRae and his Salford side. A very exciting home match on Good Friday saw the City Reds edge Warrington 18-16. Many felt the victory over The Wolves was perhaps a surprising one but what happened a few days later on Easter Monday was nothing short of sensational.

Leeds Rhinos we’re flying high in the Super League table and were the reigning champions having won the Grand final for the past two seasons in 2007 and 2008. They would go on to lift the Trophy again at the end of the 2009 but this bright sunny afternoon at Headingley was all about the away side.

Leeds had been a real graveyard for Salford sides over the years with our last victory coming in February 1977. The travelling supporters on the West terrace arrived in hope more than anything just in case the unthinkable actually happened.

Salford got off to a perfect start with John Wilshere following up Jeremy Smith's shrewd kick to touch down near the posts and then adding the conversion.

More slack defending by the Rhinos allowed Jordan Turner to send winger Mark Henry charging in at the corner to extend the Reds advantage.

Jamie Jones Buchanan scored for the hosts to reduce the deficit to just four points before some real magic from Salford’s teenage half back Richie Myler.

With the hooter sounding, Myler broke clear from his own half to score the Reds' third try and Wilshere's goal made it 16-6 at the break.

Salford were very good value for the lead they had built and their was an excited buzz amongst the supporters.

Shortly after the restart Myler put in a clever kick what Robbie Paul read perfectly to scamper over for Salford’s fourth try.

Ryan Hall and Keith Senior scored tries for Leeds before Jamie Peacock barged over from close range as the Rhinos looked to crush Salford’s dreams.

With the score reading 20-24 with just seven minutes remaining the next score would be crucial. It was a glorious score as well with Jordan Turner snatching an interception to race home towards the delighted Salford supporters who were literally dancing on the terraces.

A very memorable day, ten years have now past since then and over that decade Leeds have had the upper hand in all the fixtures at Headingley.

Leeds: Webb, Jones-Bishop, Ablett, Senior, Hall, McGuire, Burrow, Burgess, Diskin, Bailey, Jones-Buchanan, Kirke, Sinfield. 

Replacements: Leuluai, Lauitiiti, Peacock, Buderus.

Salford: Wilshere, Henry, Littler, Turner, Ratchford, Smith, Myler, Cashmere, Alker, Stapleton, Adamson, Parker, Swain.

Replacements: Sibbit, Leuluai, Paul, Jewitt.

Referee: J Child 

Attendance, 14,381.

Fridays match.

The buzz and excitement amongst the Salford supporters recently has been fantastic. The clubs last major trophy came forty three years ago so the commitment and dedication of their loyal band of followers is heart warming to see. I don’t think anyone in Rugby League would begrudge the club some success. 

Headingley is looking magnificent after all the renovation work that has been done. What a fantastic stage for Salford Red Devil’s to make another huge statement on Friday night. Their promises to be another big vocal following crossing the Pennies. As I mentioned earlier our away record at Leeds is pretty dreadful so a victory here would be extra special. 

Leeds have plenty of quality players in the team, young fullback Jack Walker is one of the most sought after prospects in the country. Conrad Hurrell is a blockbusting centre with unbelievable power and a big danger close to the try line. 

Harry Newman has been impressive this year and at just nineteen years of age has a big future ahead of him. 

One player Salford know all about is Robert Lui. ‘The Star Man’ made a controversial move to West Yorkshire a few months ago with Tui Lolohea moving the opposite way to join Salford. Lui signed for Salford for the start of the 2016 season and soon became a big favourite with the supporters.

Many supporters were a little sceptical at ‘The swap deal’ between Leeds and Salford involving Lui and Lolohea. Tui Lolohea had a fantastic World Cup with Tonga and big things were expected from him at Leeds. For one reason or another things didn’t quite work out for Tui at the Rhinos. The young half back paid the price for his sides failings and became a scapegoat for the Leeds supporters. 

In his short time at Salford playing alongside Jackson Hastings Lolohea has found his feet with some thrilling performances. His short kicking game of late has been a pivotal tool in Salford’s attack. The supporters have taken to him and he’s certainly a lot more relaxed playing with a smile on his face. Their is no doubt Tui Lolohea will want to answer a few critics on Friday night.

The Red Devil’s Away form so far this year should leave them nothing to fear travelling to Headingley. Ian Watson and the players want this victory. Speaking to Ian last Thursday night about this match he seemed more determined than ever. 

This is a match not to be missed, the action gets under way at 7:45pm.

Safe travels and enjoy the match everyone.

Paul Whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick  and Emma Rose Butter 

Salford Red Devils v Leeds big match preview DITD

Salford v Leeds Match Preview.

Speaking after last Saturday’s win at London, Salford coach Ian Watson stated “we owe them one” when referring to Friday’s clash with Leeds. The two sides have met 22 times in the summer era at Salford with Leeds claiming 20 victories to The Red Devils 2. When the two sides met at The AJ Bell Stadium earlier this season The struggling Rhinos clicked into gear blowing Salford away 14-46 on a disappointing afternoon.

Under Coach David Furner Leeds have struggled to find consistency with just four wins so far leaving them in 10th place. Last weekend a healthy lead at home to fellow strugglers Hull Kingston Rovers was almost blown but the Rhinos frantically held on to clinch a 28-24 victory.

Salford will be looking to kick start their home form. With just one victory at home this season Watson and his players are desperate to impress.

Leeds definitely have some talented players in the ranks but for one reason or another haven’t really got going yet in 2019.

This could be a massive psychological hurdle for Salford to get over. Over the years The Loiners have been a huge thorn in the side at the Willows, Headingley, in Cup ties, finals and more recently they have an excellent record at The AJ Bell Stadium. 

With some huge games coming up in the month of May this one could really build some momentum particularly after a very good Easter and a real solid display at London last Saturday.

Watson is looking up the table not down and two points against Leeds keeps Salford in touch with the Super League top five.

Memorable results From Yesteryear.

Over the years their have been some thrilling encounters between the two sides. A Wednesday night fixture on bonfire night in 1958, a bitter rivalry in the 1970s, Leeds having the upper hand since the 80s and who could forget last season’s clash when Jackson Hastings made his Salford debut.

Salford 17 Leeds 22  5th November 1958 played under floodlights at 

Old Trafford.

Salford 27 Leeds 2   17th September 1971.

Salford 61 Leeds 13  17th March 1974.

Salford 7 Leeds 5   20th February 1976.

Salford 24 Leeds 7  21st September 1979.

Salford 16 Leeds 22   29th September 1985.

Salford 30 Leeds 38  12th May 1999

Salford 18 Leeds 19    16th June 2006

Salford 24 Leeds 30   11th September 2009

Salford 14 Leeds 10    9th April 2016.

Salford 38 Leeds 22   27th July 2018.

A match to remember Salford 61 Leeds 13  17th March 1974.

Rewind to just over forty five years ago and the Leeds hoodoo was just as evident as it is now. In the previous season of 1972/73 Leeds had done the league double over Salford and when the two sides had met in a classic match at Fartown in The John Player Trophy final the Loiners yet again had the edge.

Despite a fantastic effort, Colin Dixon’s try and David Watkins two conversions left Salford just short going down 12-7.

When the two sides met at The Willows on St Patrick’s day in 1974 Leeds had already broken Salford hearts knocking us out of the John player Trophy and the Challenge cup. The Challenge cup tie at Headingley had taken place a few weeks earlier in February. Salford were playing some fantastic rugby and the supporters were starting to believe that exciting times weren’t far off. 56 coaches left The Willows bound for Yorkshire. It wasn’t to be with Leeds clinging on for a 10-6 win.

To say Salford owed Leeds one was probably an understatement. A bitter rivalry had developed between the two sides and this particular Sunday afternoon in 1974 was definitely one to remember.

With the genius and creativity of Kenny Gill, the fantastic kicking of David Watkins, the leadership of captain courageous Chris Hesketh, the speed and strength of Colin Dixon the points kept coming much to the delight of the home crowd. Salford’s side had quality in every position, Paul Charlton one of the fittest players to grace the sport. A tremendously brave defender and sublime in attack. Ellis Devlin a hooker well ahead of his time and not to forget a back line that oozed pace and a slickness that many supporters admired.

Tries from Watkins 2, Devlin 2, Maurice Richards 2, Dixon 2, Charlton 2, Hesketh, Keith Fielding and Kenny Gill blew Leeds apart.

It’s fair to say this victory was a catalyst to drive Salford on for the remaining four weeks of the season where the fixtures came thick and fast. 

After victory at Wigan 12-21 Salford were crowned Champions of 73/74!

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, Richie Myler and David Young.

Friday’s match.

Salford will be looking to get out of the blocks early on Friday night. A good start is essential. Despite Leeds poor start to the season they have players who can cause damage and some exciting youngsters in their ranks.

Adam Cuthbertson is a strong forward who has one of the best off loads in the Super League. Hookers Brad Dwyer and Matt Parcell have impressed in recent weeks but the Rhinos conundrum remains their half back pairing. Last time out against Hull Kingston Rovers Tui Lolohea partnered Richie Myler. Lolohea has received plenty of criticism this season so the question is will coach David Furner keep faith with the pair on Friday.

 

Young fullback Jack Walker had a fantastic game when the two sides met earlier in the year and is as brave as they come. 

Jackson Hastings and Robert Lui will be looking to dominate for Salford and a young mobile pack has really impressed over the Easter fixtures. Daniel Murray continues to grow in confidence and is blossoming in to a very accomplished player. The all action Joey Lussick has been amongst the tries three games running and Josh Jones is one of the most consistent performers at the club.

Adam Walker failed a late fitness test last Saturday at London. His return would be a timely one, his size and aggression would certainly pose Leeds a big threat. 

This promises to be a fascinating encounter and one I am really excited for.

The race for the top five in 2019 is wide open and with a little consistency this Salford side is capable of upsetting the odds.

Safe travels and enjoy the game everyone.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Leeds V Salford Match Report

Salford’s Headingly hoodoo continued on a miserable day in West Yorkshire. Ian Watson made quite a few changes from Friday’s team with Lee Mossop, Mark Flanagan and Craig Kopzack missing. Daniel Murray and Ryan Lannon got there first appearances of the season as George Griffin also came back in to the side. Jack Littlejohn was again on the bench. 

It was quite a damp, soggy afternoon when the game got under way with Leeds adapting to the conditions a little better. Salford came up with early handling errors which allowed the Rhinos to get a foot hold in the match. Tom Briscoe with a neat finish to squeeze in the corner for the opening score on 7 minutes.

Ash Handley doubled the hosts lead after Joel Moon’s high kick was taken by Salford’s Niall Evalds who tried to escape from being trapped in goal but lost the ball to gift Leeds a try. This time kallum Watkins converted 10-0.

Salford’s best chance of the first half came after some neat work from Littlejohn created an opening for Jake Bibby. An excellent cover tackle bundled the wingman in touch.

Niall Evalds picked up a nasty head injury and left the field and didn’t return. Robert Lui switched to fullback to cover with Josh Wood and Littlejohn partnering up in the halves.

Watkins added a penalty goal to edge Leeds 12-0 up at the break.

Both sides defended really well for long periods, particularly The Rhinos in the second half when Salford laid siege to there line with plenty of consecutive sets but The Red Devil’s just couldn’t find a way through much to the frustrations of the travelling away supporters. Junior Sau came very close and George Griffin spilled a bullet Littlejohn pass. Logan Tomkins was also held up just short of the line. 

Josh Walters broke a tired Salford defence two minutes from time with Watkins converting. 

Another disappointing attacking display from Salford, Ian Watson was pleased with the effort of his side despite the poor attacking options. The Niall Evalds injury was certainly a big concern and he looks certain to miss Saturday’s match with Warrington.

Final score Leeds 20 Salford 0.

Report by Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick