DITD Hull KR v Salford Red Devils Magic Preview

Salford v Hull Kingston Rovers.

Salford’s first few adventures at the Magic Weekend saw some disappointing defeats. Two drubbings in Edinburgh against Warrington in 2007 and 2010 were followed by a shocking performance in Cardiff against Celtic Crusaders in 2011. 

I suppose their are pros and cons with the whole event but speaking as a Salford supporter I always treat the match as another two points the same as a regular season home or away match. It’s certainly a chance to play on a big stage in front of a sizeable crowd. For the past four years the Magic Weekend has been held in Newcastle which many fans have enjoyed. St James’s Park is right in the heart of the City Centre which added to the carnival atmosphere.

This year sees the weekend move to Anfield stadium in Liverpool.

After a thrilling encounter last weekend away at St Helens in a match that you will struggle to top for the rest of the season, certainly for shear excitement and end to end action. Agonisingly Ian Watson’s side came up just short but the amount of positives that can be taken from that match will surely stand The Red Devils in good stead for the rest of the campaign.

Salford have proved this year that when they get things right they can beat anyone and with the eyes of Rugby League on them this Sunday the players will want to impress. 

Super League Magic Weekend Record.

Won 4

Draws 0

Lost 7

2007, Salford 18  Warrington 50   Murrayfield, Edinburgh 

2009, Salford 16  Harlequins 24   Murrayfield, Edinburgh 

2010, Salford 16  Warrington 68   Murrayfield, Edinburgh 

2011, Salford 12  Celtic Crusaders 42  millennium stadium, Cardiff

2012, Salford 38  Huddersfield 34   Etihad Stadium, Manchester 

2013, Salford 28  Widnes 22  Etihad Stadium, Manchester 

2014, Salford 24  Widnes 30  Etihad Stadium, Manchester 

2015, Salford 16  Widnes 38 St James’s Park, Newcastle 

2016, Salford 18  Widnes 12  St James’s Park, Newcastle 

2017, Salford 36  Leigh 22  St James’s Park, Newcastle 

2018, Salford 12  Catalans Dragons 26 St James’s Park, Newcastle 

They played for both 

Here are a selection of players to have represented The Robins and The Red Devils,

Greg Austin, Colin Dixon, Greg Burke, Chris Charles, Michael Dobson, Sean Gleeson, Darrell Goulding, David Hodgson, Lee Jewitt, Justin Carney, Jordan Walne, Phil Joseph, Tommy Lee, Tyrone McCarthy, Craig Murdock, Cory Paterson, Gareth Price, Scott Taylor, Tony Puletua, Richard Smith, Iain Thornley, Kris Welham and Todd Carney.

A match to remember Sunday 27th May 2012.

Salford 38 Huddersfield 34.

After four straight miserable defeats at Magic this was a day to remember for Salford and their supporters. Long trips to Edinburgh and Cardiff had been huge let downs with heavy defeats. This match in 2012 was played a little closer to home at The Etihad Stadium, the home of Manchester City.

It was a lovely, warm and sunny afternoon with glorious temperatures, particularly at pitch side. 

Salford had gone six matches without a victory and went in to the match as under dogs. The Giants were a big, athletic team with plenty of power and pace in the backs. With talisman Danny Brough guiding them Huddersfield were a tough team to beat. 

Salford made the early running and Australian centre Joel Moon made that pressure count when he touched down following Jodie Broughton's unorthodox palm back of the ball. 

Kevin Brown and Luke George responded with tries for The Giants.

Salford then worked the ball from right to left through the halves and Luke Patten slipped the ball to Moon unopposed for his second score.

The Reds extended the lead with a nice try from centre Sean Gleason.

Speedster Broughton squeezed in for another Salford try just before the break to send Phil Veivers side in leading 16-22 at half time.

Leroy Cudjoe had a try chalked off by referee Tim Roby but this only seem to hand the momentum to Huddersfield. Two tries from the enormous Eorl Crabtree edged the Yorkshire side in to the lead.

Salford kept persevering and were rewarded with a try for their honest endeavour when Moon maintained his balance under pressure and offloaded to Broughton who raced in for his second to bring the scores within two as Holdsworth fluffed his conversion attempt.

Adam Sidlow powered over from a neat Stuart Howarth which saw the lead change hands in to Salford’s favour again. 

Huddersfield yet again showed their quality when a dummy half break from Jason Chan put Brough in under the posts and he stepped up to convert.

It was end to end nail biting action. The match balanced on a knife edge.

Salford's seventh try restored the lead yet again. Sidlow, who crossed for a second time to again open up the four-point gap with three minutes to play.

The big forward smashing his way to the line showing tremendous strength.

The Giants spurned late chances with Salford hanging on to win a super match 38-34.

The teams that day;

Huddersfield: Eden, McGillvary, Cudjoe, Wardle, George, Grix, Brough, Mason, Moore,Ferguson, Lawrence, Chan, Brown.

Replacements: Crabtree, Robinson, Fa'alogo, Faiumu.

Salford: Patten, Broughton, Moon, Gleeson, Williams, Holdsworth, Smith, Jewitt, Howarth, Sidlow, Ashurst, Nero, Wild.

Replacements: Owen, Anderson, Paleaaesina, McPherson.

Referee: Tim Roby 

Sunday’s match.

The two sides met just a few weeks ago in The Challenge Cup with Hull Kingston Rovers progressing to the Quarter Finals. Salford’s performance was poor particularly in the second half where a 16-6 lead was surrendered.

With London Broncos picking up a victory last weekend The Robins are dangerously hovering near the relegation zone. London, Leeds and Hull Kr all have eight points and with the Rhinos meeting the Broncos this very weekend, Super League could have a new team rooted to the foot of the table.

The two sides will kick off day two with the action getting under way at 1pm.

Victory for Salford puts them in real contention for a top half finish in the League table. With the Super eights from last season now a top five playoff only the most consistent sides will make the cut.

The Magic Weekend is a real feast of Rugby League and after last weekend’s Summer Bash proving a real success at Blackpool for The clubs in the Championship, The Super League now takes centre stage. 

Safe travels and enjoy the game everyone.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Sportszone Hull Kr V Salford Red Devils Magic Weekend

Salford v Hull Kingston Rovers.

Salford’s first few adventures at the Magic Weekend saw some disappointing defeats. Two drubbings in Edinburgh against Warrington in 2007 and 2010 were followed by a shocking performance in Cardiff against Celtic Crusaders in 2011. 

I suppose their are pros and cons with the whole event but speaking as a Salford supporter I always treat the match as another two points the same as a regular season home or away match. It’s certainly a chance to play on a big stage in front of a sizeable crowd. For the past four years the Magic Weekend has been held in Newcastle which many fans have enjoyed. St James’s Park is right in the heart of the City Centre which added to the carnival atmosphere.

This year sees the weekend move to Anfield stadium in Liverpool.

After a thrilling encounter last weekend away at St Helens in a match that you will struggle to top for the rest of the season, certainly for shear excitement and end to end action. Agonisingly Ian Watson’s side came up just short but the amount of positives that can be taken from that match will surely stand The Red Devils in good stead for the rest of the campaign.

Salford have proved this year that when they get things right they can beat anyone and with the eyes of Rugby League on them this Sunday the players will want to impress. 

Super League Magic Weekend Record.

Won 4

Draws 0

Lost 7

2007, Salford 18  Warrington 50   Murrayfield, Edinburgh 

2009, Salford 16  Harlequins 24   Murrayfield, Edinburgh 

2010, Salford 16  Warrington 68   Murrayfield, Edinburgh 

2011, Salford 12  Celtic Crusaders 42  millennium stadium, Cardiff

2012, Salford 38  Huddersfield 34   Etihad Stadium, Manchester 

2013, Salford 28  Widnes 22  Etihad Stadium, Manchester 

2014, Salford 24  Widnes 30  Etihad Stadium, Manchester 

2015, Salford 16  Widnes 38 St James’s Park, Newcastle 

2016, Salford 18  Widnes 12  St James’s Park, Newcastle 

2017, Salford 36  Leigh 22  St James’s Park, Newcastle 

2018, Salford 12  Catalans Dragons 26 St James’s Park, Newcastle 

They played for both 

Here are a selection of players to have represented The Robins and The Red Devils,

Greg Austin, Colin Dixon, Greg Burke, Chris Charles, Michael Dobson, Sean Gleeson, Darrell Goulding, David Hodgson, Lee Jewitt, Justin Carney, Jordan Walne, Phil Joseph, Tommy Lee, Tyrone McCarthy, Craig Murdock, Cory Paterson, Gareth Price, Scott Taylor, Tony Puletua, Richard Smith, Iain Thornley, Kris Welham and Todd Carney.

A match to remember Sunday 27th May 2012.

Salford 38 Huddersfield 34.

After four straight miserable defeats at Magic this was a day to remember for Salford and their supporters. Long trips to Edinburgh and Cardiff had been huge let downs with heavy defeats. This match in 2012 was played a little closer to home at The Etihad Stadium, the home of Manchester City.

It was a lovely, warm and sunny afternoon with glorious temperatures, particularly at pitch side. 

Salford had gone six matches without a victory and went in to the match as under dogs. The Giants were a big, athletic team with plenty of power and pace in the backs. With talisman Danny Brough guiding them Huddersfield were a tough team to beat. 

Salford made the early running and Australian centre Joel Moon made that pressure count when he touched down following Jodie Broughton's unorthodox palm back of the ball. 

Kevin Brown and Luke George responded with tries for The Giants.

Salford then worked the ball from right to left through the halves and Luke Patten slipped the ball to Moon unopposed for his second score.

The Reds extended the lead with a nice try from centre Sean Gleason.

Speedster Broughton squeezed in for another Salford try just before the break to send Phil Veivers side in leading 16-22 at half time.

Leroy Cudjoe had a try chalked off by referee Tim Roby but this only seem to hand the momentum to Huddersfield. Two tries from the enormous Eorl Crabtree edged the Yorkshire side in to the lead.

Salford kept persevering and were rewarded with a try for their honest endeavour when Moon maintained his balance under pressure and offloaded to Broughton who raced in for his second to bring the scores within two as Holdsworth fluffed his conversion attempt.

Adam Sidlow powered over from a neat Stuart Howarth which saw the lead change hands in to Salford’s favour again. 

Huddersfield yet again showed their quality when a dummy half break from Jason Chan put Brough in under the posts and he stepped up to convert.

It was end to end nail biting action. The match balanced on a knife edge.

Salford's seventh try restored the lead yet again. Sidlow, who crossed for a second time to again open up the four-point gap with three minutes to play.

The big forward smashing his way to the line showing tremendous strength.

The Giants spurned late chances with Salford hanging on to win a super match 38-34.

The teams that day;

Huddersfield: Eden, McGillvary, Cudjoe, Wardle, George, Grix, Brough, Mason, Moore, Ferguson, Lawrence, Chan, Brown.

Replacements: Crabtree, Robinson, Fa'alogo, Faiumu.

Salford: Patten, Broughton, Moon, Gleeson, Williams, Holdsworth, Smith, Jewitt, Howarth, Sidlow, Ashurst, Nero, Wild.

Replacements: Owen, Anderson, Paleaaesina, McPherson.

Referee: Tim Roby 

Sunday’s match.

The two sides met just a few weeks ago in The Challenge Cup with Hull Kingston Rovers progressing to the Quarter Finals. Salford’s performance was poor particularly in the second half where a 16-6 lead was surrendered.

With London Broncos picking up a victory last weekend The Robins are dangerously hovering near the relegation zone. London, Leeds and Hull Kr all have eight points and with the Rhinos meeting the Broncos this very weekend, Super League could have a new team rooted to the foot of the table.

The two sides will kick off day two with the action getting under way at 1pm.

Victory for Salford puts them in real contention for a top half finish in the League table. With the Super eights from last season now a top five playoff only the most consistent sides will make the cut.

The Magic Weekend is a real feast of Rugby League and after last weekend’s Summer Bash proving a real success at Blackpool for The clubs in the Championship, The Super League now takes centre stage. 

Safe travels and enjoy the game everyone.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Sportszone Magic Weekend Preview

This will be the first meeting between the Devils and the Dragons  at The magic weekend.The Dragons come in to the game bottom of the Super League table but in recent weeks have shown major improvement. A home victory over Hull FC and a creditable performance away to St. Helens have certainly given Steve McNamara and his team hope of avoiding the bottom four.

New signing Josh Drinkwater could be the missing piece in the Catalan jigsaw having slotted in perfectly in his first few games for the club. Having spent 2017 with Leigh Josh’s organisational skills will get his team around the park.

Salford come in to this game on the back of a very disappointing defeat to Leigh in The Challenge Cup last weekend. In the previous weeks before that a 30-0 defeat to Wigan and a 10-60 home drubbing to St. Helens has left Ian Watson’s boys looking for a response. Salford still have a small cushion above the sides in the bottom four but are fully aware things can change very quickly.

Sunday will be The Red Devil’s fourth visit to Newcastle’s St James’s Park. This time last season Salford were soaring in to this fixture in magnificent form. Fast forward twelve months and despite some pivotal players leaving the club a top eight finish is definitely there for the taking.

Magic weekend record

Won 4

Lost 6

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2007 Salford 18 Warrington 50. Millennium stadium Cardiff 

2009 Salford 16 Harlequins 24. Edinburgh Murrayfield

2010 Salford 16 Warrington 68. Edinburgh Murrayfield

2011 Salford 12 Celtic 42. Millennium stadium Cardiff 

2012 Salford 38 Huddersfield 34. Manchester Etihad Stadium 

2013 Salford 28 Widnes 22. Manchester Etihad Stadium 

2014 Salford 24 Widnes 30. Manchester Etihad Stadium 

2015 Salford 16 Widnes 38. St James Park Newcastle 

2016 Salford 18 Widnes 12. St James Park Newcastle 

2017 Salford 36 Leigh 22. St James Park Newcastle

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They played for both.

Despite Catalan Dragons short existence there are a number of players who’ve played for both clubs including Jodie Broughton, Luke Burgess, Iain Thornley, David Berthezene, Todd Carney, Michael Dobson and Richie Myler.

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Magic weekend game to remember

Salford 18 Widnes 12 , 21st May 2016

Samoan international Daniel Vidot scored his first Super League tries to inflict an eighth successive defeat on a Widnes side who had led the Super League table a few months earlier.

The former Brisbane Broncos winger, who missed the first three months of the season with a shoulder injury, opened the scoring after only three minutes and returned from a concussion assessment to add his second on 67 minutes which ultimately sealed an 18-12 success.

Inspirational captain Kevin Brown had returned for The Vikings but some fantastic Red Devil’s defence kept the half back quiet. Junior Sau and Ben Murdoch Masila proving a real handful for Widnes all afternoon.

Both sides defended with real gusto to make this match a real thriller with plenty of chances. Rhys Hanbury and Joe Mellor pulling the strings for The Chemics.

Justin Carney came up with a try saving tackle late on to deny Widnes winger Cory Thompson and Gareth O Briens penalty goal gave Salford a six point cushion 18-12.

Much to the delight of their travelling army of supporters The Red Devils hung on for a much needed victory.

The teams that day;

Salford: O’Brien, Carney, Sa’u, Bibby, Vidot, Lui, Dobson, Kopczak, Tomkins, G. Griffin, Murdoch-Masila, Jones, Flanagan.

Replacements: Hauraki, A. Walne, Joseph, Lannon.

Widnes: Hanbury, Thompson, Runciman, Bridge, Marsh, Mellor, Brown, O’Carroll, White, Dudson, Houston, Dean, Cahill.

Replacements: Heremaia, Manuokafoa, Whitley, Leuluai.

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Sunday’s match

A really significant match for both sides. A win for the Dragons will put them just two points behind The Red Devils. On the other hand victory for Salford will keep their breathing space between the bottom four.

The big question on most supporters lips will be – is Robert Lui back in the side? The star man as he’s affectionately known pulls the strings at the heart of this Salford side and so much of the attacking play comes off him. As mentioned before Josh Drinkwater is a key player for the Dragon’s and former Red Devil’s winger Jodie Broughton scored a hat trick in the cup last week.

Catalan have plenty of size in the pack and glancing at their playing roster it’s hard to understand why they have struggled so much given the talent at their disposal. Coach Steve McNamara will be out to prove his critics wrong on the big stage in Newcastle. The same can be said for Ian Watson. After three defeats on the spin it would be unfair to say he’s under pressure but knowing the very high standards Ian sets he will be demanding a big performance after last week. All the ingredients are there for a fascinating encounter. The action gets under way at 1pm this Sunday.

Enjoy the game everyone, Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

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Check out this weeks Sportszone above all your local salford Sport chat on Salford City Radio 📻 

magic weekend Salford V Leigh preview

 Magic weekend has finally arrived and we are super excited Check out Paul Parkin's big match preview below looking forward to the game on Sunday

So we meet again, no this is an Ian Fleming “Bond” script its Salford V Leigh, we’ve enjoyed some epic battles against each other over the years, good and bad for both sides. 

This weekends Magic meeting could be pivotal in both teams season. Leigh have been on a poor run of form but this will be one game they’ll have targeted for getting their season back on the rails. Both teams priorities maybe looking at opposite ends of the table but this will be full blooded and passionate, Leigh with a few ex-reds in their ranks and the history between the clubs (and their Chairmen), looking forward to it.

 

Battle 1  Gareth Hock v Lama Tasi

What can you say about Gareth Hock that hasn’t already been said, well one thing that is often overlooking in his colourful career is he’s a very good player. We as Salford fans already know what a handful he can be both for and against us in the past and he’ll take some serious stopping this weekend, he’s been in a fine run of form this season and there have even been calls for the him to be called back into the international fold.

 Up against him for the Red Devils will be the big Samoan powerhouse Lama Tasi. The “Bondi Bruiser” is a man on a mission this season, recreating the type of rugby we witness on his arrival in Super League. His “rugged” tackling style has put many a forward on the seat of his pants a few times already this year. Both men have great go forward and formidable defensive attributes, so keep an eye out for these two clashing.

 

Battle 2 Ben Crooks v Josh Jones

Ben Crooks the once Super League dream team member is a guy with huge talent, on loan from Castleford the lad sure knows where the try line is.  His talent was spotted over in Oz when Parramatta took him over there, despite not making a first grade appetence for the Eels he will have undoubtabley learnt some skill which Leigh are benefitting from. Josh Jones has been one of our most consistent performers over the past 2 seasons. His powerful, uncompromising running style causes teams no matter of issues, whether that be him playing second row or centre, can you imagine having to try and stop him in full flight!!!

 

Battle 3 Mickey Higham & Eloi Pelissier v Logan Tomkins & Kris Brining

For the second week running I have picked the hookers as a key component for either sides efforts for victory this weekend. For Leigh this for me is their major threat with 3 (If you include Liam Hood) very good “number 9’s” Firstly the vastly experienced Mickey Higham, he’s been there and seen it all at the very top level for over 15 years, a very canny operator who will seek out any weakness in a defensive line. Leigh made an excellent decision to bring in Frenchman Pelissier, nippy, clever and, like Higham, an organiser who’ll boss the Leigh forwards around the park. 

For us, like I mentioned last week Tomkins and Brining are going to be hugely important in any Salford win, both in fantastic form and Brining was most peoples Man of the Match in last weeks cup game against Hull KR scoring a fantastic solo try.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail, all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat to enjoy. We are joined by  Rugby league legend broadcaster Ray French who gives us his view on Salfords 2017 form, ex Red Nick Pinkney talks about his career, Lee Mossop Greg Johnson Logan Tomkins and Willie Poaching talk about the Victory against Hull KR.

Paul Whiteside looks at the local amateur rugby scene as Paul Parkin takes us through the news of the week as we prepare for Magic Weekend.