Salford v Hull KR sportszone preview

The Challenge Cup, The Holy Grail of Rugby League I like to call it. So many memories of great players gracing Wembley over the years. Legends have been made in some fantastic finals. As supporters of Salford we have waited longer than most to watch our side walk out on the hallowed turf.

It’s been 50 years since our last visit to the National Stadium. A lot has changed not only in rugby league but in general everyday life since 1969. 

Those players that walked out with chairman Brian Snape that day will always be remembered. Although we came up short against Castleford, Salford RLFC were definitely on the cusp of glory.

It’s fair to see we’ve had to be very patient as supporters. The other eleven Super League teams have all played at Wembley in a final since our visit along with  Championship sides, Sheffield (1998), Leigh (1971), Bradford (2003), Featherstone (1983), Halifax (1988) and Widnes (1993).

Salford have certainly come close with defeats in the Semi finals of 1988,1997 and who could forget the heartbreaking defeat against Sheffield Eagles in 1998. Our exciting cup run of 2017 also ended in semi final defeat to Wigan.

Currently lying in sixth place in The Super League table, Ian Watson’s side with a small squad have continued to punch above their weight whilst competing well in 2019. The team spirit in this squad has definitely got what it takes and with a bit of luck the dream of Wembley could become a reality.

It means so much to the supporters and this has rubbed off on the players.

Hull Kingston Rovers have struggled to find any sort of consistency so far this season. Having made a number of high profile signings coach Tim Sheens will be hoping a cup run can kick start The Robins stalling season.

Rovers last appearance at Wembley wasn’t so long ago in 2015. A 50-0 hammering off Leeds Rhinos perhaps a day to forget. Beaten finalists in 1981 and 1986, the late Roger Millward guided Hull kr to glory in 1980 beating city rivals Hull 10-5 in a memorable clash.

Memorable Cup Ties From Yesteryear.

30th December 1972  Hull kr 13 Salford 15. John player Trophy semi final.

3rd December 1974  Salford 27 Hull kr 10.  BBC floodlit Trophy semi final.

15th March 1981  Hull kr 18 Salford 9.  Challenge cup round three.

28th February 2003 Hull kr 2 Salford 12. Challenge cup round five.

20th May 2011  Salford 0 Hull kr 25. Challenge cup round five.

A match to remember Salford 

Hull Kr 2 Salford 12 Challenge cup 2003.

A dark, cold and wet February night in East Hull seemed a long way from the razzmatazz of summer rugby. With driving rain and the wind blowing a gale from the North Sea close by this was always going to be a tricky tie. 

The pitch started to cut up early with mud that it was hard to tell the two sides apart. 

It wasn’t a night for fancy off loads and miracle plays but one for honest toil and endeavour. Karl Harrison’s side of 2003 had plenty of that but also had a steely determination and professionalism. I suppose some might say an edge to the way they played and this become more evident as this season progressed.

Despite the low score their was plenty of excitement. Alan Hunte and Stuart Littler crossing for tries which Gavin Clinch converted. The Robins only points coming from a Lynton Stott penalty goal.

It was becoming a really exciting cup run for the City Reds after victories at home to feisty French side Toulouse and on the road in Cumbria at Barrow.

The 2-12 victory at Craven Park set up a home quarter final with St. Helens.

The teams that night were;

Hull Kr,

Poucher, Pinkney, Stott, Farrell, Blanchard, Parker, Murdock, Wilson, Pickering, Bovill, Sullivan, Aston, Smith.

Subs, Walker, Cochrane, Andrews and Fletcher.

Salford City Reds,

Flowers, Platt, Littler, Hunte, Arnold, Beverley, Clinch, Baynes, Alker, Coley, Baldwin, Lowe, Charles.

Subs, P.Highton, D. Highton, Haggerty and Gorski.

Referee, Richard Silverwood.

Attendance, 2,533

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.

Saturday’s match.

After consecutive victories over London Broncos and Leeds Rhinos, Salford have grown in confidence on the back of a very positive Easter. In recent weeks Robert Lui’s partnership with fellow halfback Jackson Hastings has really blossomed. Josh Jones and George Griffin continue to impress with their gruelling eighty minute performances as well as a pack that has dominated of late.

The Robins have had a disappointing Easter conceding 50 points on Good Friday and Easter Monday against Hull and Warrington respectively. Battling displays against Leeds at Headingley and at home to St. Helens 

Last weekend has given Tim Sheens and his side something to build on.

The two side have met once this season and it was a thrilling encounter. Salford stormed back in that match to take the points with a 22-24 victory.

Whoever gets the win on Saturday will be in the last eight of the competition, The Quarter Finals. 

With the sixth round draw throwing up some mouth watering ties their could be a few big teams put out of the competition this weekend.

Momentum is the name of the game for Salford Red Devils both on and off the field. Another good cup run will certainly grab people’s attention and perhaps a Cup Final could propel Salford to the next level.

This match looks a tremendous prospect with added spice of player connections at both clubs. The Red Devils could potentially have Adam Walker, Tyrone McCarthy, Ken Sio and Kris Welham in their squad who all represented Hull kr at Wembley in 2015.

The Robins have Weller Hauraki, Ryan Lannon, Tommy Lee and Lee Jewitt on their playing Roster for 2019.

Josh Drinkwater and Danny McGuire have proved a more than useful half back combination on their day and the pace in the back line from Craig Hall, Ryan Shaw, Ben Crooks and Will Oakes amongst others will have to be dealt with. 

The forward battle should be very exciting and could be were the match is won and lost. Joel Tomkins can be a real handful and hookers Danny Addy and Shaun Lunt are both very clever around the ruck with good ball distribution.

 Another match not to be missed.

Safe travels and enjoy the game everyone.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford v Hull KR DITD preview challenge cup

The Challenge Cup, The Holy Grail of Rugby League I like to call it. So many memories of great players gracing Wembley over the years. Legends have been made in some fantastic finals. As supporters of Salford we have waited longer than most to watch our side walk out on the hallowed turf.

It’s been 50 years since our last visit to the National Stadium. A lot has changed not only in rugby league but in general everyday life since 1969. 

Those players that walked out with chairman Brian Snape that day will always be remembered. Although we came up short against Castleford, Salford RLFC were definitely on the cusp of glory.

It’s fair to see we’ve had to be very patient as supporters. The other eleven Super League teams have all played at Wembley in a final since our visit along with  Championship sides, Sheffield (1998), Leigh (1971), Bradford (2003), Featherstone (1983), Halifax (1988) and Widnes (1993).

Salford have certainly come close with defeats in the Semi finals of 1988,1997 and who could forget the heartbreaking defeat against Sheffield Eagles in 1998. Our exciting cup run of 2017 also ended in semi final defeat to Wigan.

Currently lying in sixth place in The Super League table, Ian Watson’s side with a small squad have continued to punch above their weight whilst competing well in 2019. The team spirit in this squad has definitely got what it takes and with a bit of luck the dream of Wembley could become a reality.

It means so much to the supporters and this has rubbed off on the players.

Hull Kingston Rovers have struggled to find any sort of consistency so far this season. Having made a number of high profile signings coach Tim Sheens will be hoping a cup run can kick start The Robins stalling season.

Rovers last appearance at Wembley wasn’t so long ago in 2015. A 50-0 hammering off Leeds Rhinos perhaps a day to forget. Beaten finalists in 1981 and 1986, the late Roger Millward guided Hull kr to glory in 1980 beating city rivals Hull 10-5 in a memorable clash.

Memorable Cup Ties From Yesteryear.

30th December 1972  Hull kr 13 Salford 15. John player Trophy semi final.

3rd December 1974  Salford 27 Hull kr 10.  BBC floodlit Trophy semi final.

15th March 1981  Hull kr 18 Salford 9.  Challenge cup round three.

28th February 2003 Hull kr 2 Salford 12. Challenge cup round five.

20th May 2011  Salford 0 Hull kr 25. Challenge cup round five.

A match to remember Salford 

Hull Kr 2 Salford 12 Challenge cup 2003.

A dark, cold and wet February night in East Hull seemed a long way from the razzmatazz of summer rugby. With driving rain and the wind blowing a gale from the North Sea close by this was always going to be a tricky tie. 

The pitch started to cut up early with mud that it was hard to tell the two sides apart. 

It wasn’t a night for fancy off loads and miracle plays but one for honest toil and endeavour. Karl Harrison’s side of 2003 had plenty of that but also had a steely determination and professionalism. I suppose some might say an edge to the way they played and this become more evident as this season progressed.

Despite the low score their was plenty of excitement. Alan Hunte and Stuart Littler crossing for tries which Gavin Clinch converted. The Robins only points coming from a Lynton Stott penalty goal.

It was becoming a really exciting cup run for the City Reds after victories at home to feisty French side Toulouse and on the road in Cumbria at Barrow.

The 2-12 victory at Craven Park set up a home quarter final with St. Helens.

The teams that night were;

Hull Kr,

Poucher, Pinkney, Stott, Farrell, Blanchard, Parker, Murdock, Wilson, Pickering, Bovill, Sullivan, Aston, Smith.

Subs, Walker, Cochrane, Andrews and Fletcher.

Salford City Reds,

Flowers, Platt, Littler, Hunte, Arnold, Beverley, Clinch, Baynes, Alker, Coley, Baldwin, Lowe, Charles.

Subs, P.Highton, D. Highton, Haggerty and Gorski.

Referee, Richard Silverwood.

Attendance, 2,533

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.

Saturday’s match.

After consecutive victories over London Broncos and Leeds Rhinos, Salford have grown in confidence on the back of a very positive Easter. In recent weeks Robert Lui’s partnership with fellow halfback Jackson Hastings has really blossomed. Josh Jones and George Griffin continue to impress with their gruelling eighty minute performances as well as a pack that has dominated of late.

The Robins have had a disappointing Easter conceding 50 points on Good Friday and Easter Monday against Hull and Warrington respectively. Battling displays against Leeds at Headingley and at home to St. Helens 

last weekend has given Tim Sheens and his side something to build on.

The two side have met once this season and it was a thrilling encounter. Salford stormed back in that match to take the points with a 22-24 victory.

Whoever gets the win on Saturday will be in the last eight of the competition, The Quarter Finals. 

With the sixth round draw throwing up some mouth watering ties their could be a few big teams put out of the competition this weekend.

Momentum is the name of the game for Salford Red Devils both on and off the field. Another good cup run will certainly grab people’s attention and perhaps a Cup Final could propel Salford to the next level.

This match looks a tremendous prospect with added spice of player connections at both clubs. The Red Devils could potentially have Adam Walker, Tyrone McCarthy, Ken Sio and Kris Welham in their squad who all represented Hull kr at Wembley in 2015.

The Robins have Weller Hauraki, Ryan Lannon, Tommy Lee and Lee Jewitt on their playing Roster for 2019.

Josh Drinkwater and Danny McGuire have proved a more than useful half back combination on their day and the pace in the back line from Craig Hall, Ryan Shaw, Ben Crooks and Will Oakes amongst others will have to be dealt with. 

The forward battle should be very exciting and could be were the match is won and lost. Joel Tomkins can be a real handful and hookers Danny Addy and Shaun Lunt are both very clever around the ruck with good ball distribution.

 Another match not to be missed.

Safe travels and enjoy the game everyone.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford 24 v Hull KR 14

 

The Road to Wembley is being followed by Salford and with the win against Hull KR yesterday a Wembley appearance is getting closer. Paul Whiteside looks back at another win.

Challenge Cup fever arrived at the AJ Bell stadium with Tim Sheens Hull Kingston Rovers the visitors. The Robins arrived in high spirits currently sitting top of the championship. The first half got under way at a real fast pace. 

Rovers made a early break showing Salford the speed they possess. The Red Devil's first real chance came on the back of some good powerful running from Lami Tasi and Ben Murdoch Masila laying the platform for Robert Lui to work his magic. Lui's neat kick through looked to provide a try for the in form Kris Welham but he was unluckily denied by the video referee. 

The opening points deservingly come for the Robins  when from a set scrum Shaun Lunt races sixty yards  on the blind side to score a try. Jamie Ellis adds the goal 0-6.

Shortly after Lunt tries his luck blind side from another scrum and Salford are caught asleep again! It's poetry in motion for the experienced rovers hooker who darts over for his second try.Ellis adds the goal 0-12.

 

The visitors then extended there lead to 0-14 with a penalty goal to add to Salford's frustration. Just before half time there was a chink of light for the Red Devil's as Ryan Lannon collected Micheal Dobson's grubber to score. The Salford scrum half converted the goal and it was 6-14 at the break.

Whatever Ian Watson said to his side at the break they certainly took note. Craig Kopczack charging through showing great pace to stand the full back up for a super try. Dobson's goal pegs the score back to 12-14. Salford came out firing and wave after wave attack the rovers line continued.

The pressure was relentless and the Hull Kingston Rovers cracked when the excellent Kris Brining raced away from a set scrum to put Salford in front for the first time. Dobson couldnt convert at 16-14. 

The game is still on a knife edge with a tremendous atmosphere in the stadium. Lannon bursts through and showed great speed,  some how the cover defence caught him just short of the line. Rovers laid on too long and Butler Fleming was sin binned. Dobson wisely takes the two points on offer and it's 18-14 Salford.

 

Kris Welham again had a superb game. His clever kick through and willingness in defence forced a drop out. From the next play Murdoch Masila went close only to be denied by the video referee. 

 

The Rovers continue to battle away and after Tasi is penalised for a high tackle a chance seems certain. Nerve jangling moments for the Red Devil's and all their supporters before a huge sigh of relief when Ben Cockyanes pass ended up in touch. Then came the match winning Salford play! 

Substitute Gareth O Brien put the high kick up which caused panic for Rovers Welham is on hand to calmly palm the ball back to Murdoch Masila who crashes over to send Salford in to the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup.

Michael Dobson kicks off the touch line to make the game safe.

 A real tough night for Salford who's Wembley dream lives on. Willie Poching was delighted with the second half defence, stating the 9 days before the next match against Leigh at the magic weekend is what the players need.

 Rest and preparation is vital now after a very busy period in the season. Final score Salford 24 Hull Kr 14.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all your Salford Red Devil's chat, Paul Parkin joins us for all the big news of the week, Adam Walne and Lami Tasi talk about the Wigan Win with Ian Watson and lots more Salford chat tune in.

Salford v Hull KR big match preview

 Salford Red Devils take on Hull Kingston Rovers in the challenge cup at the AJ Bell on Friday, Paul Parkin looks forward to the game in his big match preview

Battles

 

Battle 1 – Shaun Lunt v Logan Tomkins

Whoever is on the field at any time in the hooking role for the Red Devils is sure to have a hard challenge against Shaun Lunt. Whitehave born Lunt is both experienced, having made over 270 first grade appearances and featuring in no less than 3 challenge cup finals! A skilled and very dangerous dummy half is well capable of causing Salford huge problems with pacey burst of speed and a key eye for the try line. 

Fortunately for the Reds we are blessed with 2 very good hookers in both Logan Tomkins who is having an exception spell with his very high work rate and the ever-impressive Kris Brining who has already wowed Salford fans with his speed at the play-the-ball and eye for the try line.

 Battle 2 – Maurice Blair v Rob Lui

 

These two guys could hold the key to either team emerging triumphant from the game. Blair another hugely experienced player brought over from Australia in 2014 predominantly as a second rower but his versatility has meant that Rovers have been able to now use him at stand off. A big man for the role who’ll take some stopping but has very good hands to move the ball and Hull KR around the park, a real leader. 

Rob Lui has, at times this season, been unplayable, his stepping, weaving runs and clever creative play has been pivotal in the Red Devils march up the Super League this season.

 
  Battle 3 – Ben Cockayne v Gareth Obrien/ Niall Evalds

Yet again experience is the key and there can be many more experienced in the Rovers line-up than full back Ben Cockayne. A formidable opponent who always causes problems for opposing sides. In his second spell with the Robins he’ll surely be one of the key components to their swift return to Super League.

For the Reds, well a real dilemma for coach Ian Watson as to who gets the full back slot. Evalds bang in form following 2 stunning performances against Widnes and Wigan scoring 3 tries in the process. However how on earth do you leave out “The Saviour” a man who is synonymous with this fixture, his goal kicking (and drop goals of course) alone can with a game but in general play there can be very few better running around at the minute.

 

 
Previous encounters 

Previous Challenge Cup meetings (This century)

Fri 28th Feb 03

Hull KR 2 Salford 12

 

 

Last time we met

22nd July 2016

Hull KR 18 Salford 19

Salford were victorious in the million pound game against Hull KR. A Gaz O'Brien drop goal in extra time was enough to secure Salfords place in Super League for 2017 and condemning Rovers to Relegation.

 

Trading places?

Here’s a few players who have donned the colours of both sides.

Michael Dobson

Kris Welham

George Griffin

Iain Thornley

David Hodgson

Darrell Goulding

Chris Charles

Nick Pinkney

Greg Austin

Jack Feetham

 
Squads

 
 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat, Paul Parkin joins the boys to talk through all the big stories of the week. Lami Tasi and Adam Walne look back at the big win v Wigan. Ian Watson in in coaches corner, Paul Whiteside previews our local amateur clubs fixtures and results as we look forward to the cup game on Friday against Hull KR.

Salford v TORONTO Match Report

 

Salford have their name in the hat for the next round of the Challenge Cup after a tough battle against Toronto Wolfpack.

Paul Whiteside takes you through the action.

The long road to Wembley began at the AJ Bell Stadium as Salford entertained Toronto wolf pack! New signing Ryan Brierley was in the starting line for the visitors in a squad that boasts lots of Super League experience. 

To most Salford supporters the Challenge Cup is rugby leagues holy grail. Salford were boosted by the return of hooker Kris Brining who made the bench. Robert Lui and Micheal Dobson were back together as half back partners.

Both sides eased themselves into the game. The wolf pack have early pressure with three back to back sets but the Red Devil's defence holds firm.

The first points come for Salford as Dobson's pin point kick finds Kris Welham who leaps up superbly to take the ball over the line. Dobson adds the goal 6-0.

The wolf pack strike back instantly when Kris Welham comes up with an error Liam Kay scores in the corner Craig hall converting 6-6.

 It's soon back to back tries as Greg worthington breaks and Quentin Laula Togagae is under the posts Hall adds the goal to put the visitors ahead 6-12.

 

Salford start to press and when Toronto come up with the error the Red Devil's take advantage on the free play with Greg Johnson swooping over the line! Dobson's conversion is good and the scores are locked at 12-12.

Gareth O Brien was clattered very late but no penalty is given. The match is starting to simmer as Toronto substitute Ryan bailey enters the fray. 

Ryan Brierley breaks through to put the wolf pack back in front. As the away side celebrate Justin Carney is shown the red card!!! The crowd are left staggered it can only be for back chatting. Hall fails to convert 12-16.

Rob Lui this time is caught late after a kick, Salford attack 10 yards out from the penalty. The ball is given some air from Kris Brining and good quick hands sees Johnson in for his second try. Dobson's kick off the touch line is superb and the 12 men hit the front 18-16. 

It's looks like a try is on for the wolf pack as the hooter sounds but Josh Jones comes up with a fantastic cover tackle. 18-16 half time. 

 

Salford get the perfect start to the second half as Welhams fantastic off load falls to Dobson who darts in for a try. Gareth O Brien can't convert but Salford lead 22-16.

 

With 25 minutes remaining the game really is in the balance!

The wolf pack are put on a team warning after another high shot. Salford fail to take advantage and come up with the error. The tension really is mounting and Salford are desperate for that knockout try!

 Lama Tasi looks to have got the ball down but is denied. Salford keep plugging away and the wolf packs discipline lets them down again conceding poor penalties. Gareth O Brien gets the try to settle the home fans nerves and with the conversation Salford open up a 12 point advantage 28-16 with ten minutes remaining.

O Brien very wisely saw a opportunity and popped over a drop goal. 29-18.

 

Salford's second half defence has been outstanding and yet again they held their line. The game management from Dobson and Lui has been nothing short of magnificent. 

The odds looked stacked against Salford at half time but in a very physical match the win and a place in the next round is all that matters. As the hooter sounds Moi Moi goes in against a tired Salford defence Hall converts 29-22!

Ian Watson speaking after the match was delighted with the spirit and defence in the second half after a tough Easter period. Hopefully the draw will be kind to us on Tuesday night. 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat to enjoy.

This week we talk to Ian Watson and Kris Welham about all things Salford and look at the potential restructuring of the RFL and how Salford may fit in to it.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

SALFORD V TORONTO big match preview

Salford Red Devil's take on Toronto Wolfpack in the challenge cup this Sunday. It's going to be a great game. Read our preview below

 

Battle 1 

Dobson v Jacks

Both halfbacks have been outstanding for the respective sides this season and I see this battle as being a good one to watch. As I have said in many battles this season Michael Dobson has been a real leader for the Red Devil's this season and the partnership with him and Rob Lui has caused most opponents trouble in 2017. His kicking game has been very good and to watch him control the attack along with Lui has been magical at times this season. This season he also has crossed the try line a few times and will no doubt look to build on this come 12:15 on Sunday.

Rhys Jacks has been a bit of an unknown quantity with the Wolfpack. The halfback,like Dobson has really been a key player for the Canadian side and I believe there huge point scoring has been brought on by his fantastic playmaking skills and organisation. I have watched most of The Wolfpacks games this season and I hope the Devils won't rely on their super league experience come game time as this will be a very very tough encounter.

 

Battle 2

BMM v MoiMoi

Probably 2 of the biggest men in the game come head to head on Sunday and I for one am looking forward to seeing this. Since signing his new 3 year deal with the Reds BMM has really shown what he is capable off both on attack and defence. The hard running big hitting forward has scored some quality tries this season and on his day is unstoppable at times. 

If you are a fan of rugby league in general you all know the name Fui Fui Moi Moi. The ex New Zealand international prop forward has made a career on big performances and his ability to break a defence down with some strong runs has been sensational over the years. Coming to the end of his career unlike BMM the ex Leigh man will no doubt want to show what he is capable of against quality Super League opponents at the AJ Bell on Sunday.

 

Battle 3

Mossop v Bailey

These 2 man mountains will come head to head in the game this weekend and expect fire works from both men. Mossop as I have said before has been a great addition to the Red Devil's forward line and will look to again show his worth against some good opposition. His no nonsense style of play really stands out and his ability to get over the game line is what has impressed me and a lot of Salford fans in 2017. 

Ryan Bailey has been handed a life line from Toronto in 2017 as most thought after his exit from Warrington at the end of 2016 would be his last in rugby league. The league one side have looked to Bailey to add some super league experience to their ranks and I think Bailey is the right man for that job. At the age of 32 Bailey believe his still has what it takes to be a solid performer and will look to try and silence the vocal supporters from Salford on Sunday.

Ex Reds

 

Adam Sidlow, Jake Emmitt and Andrew Dixon wore the Red shirt with pride during their time at Salford and will be looking to cause a cup upset on Sunday.

Squads

 

 

Your listening to this weeks podcast all your Salford Red Devil's chat. This week we look back at the Easter period, all the news coming from the club, interviews with Dobbo, Kris Welham, Mark Flanagan and Junior Sa'u.

We talk to Ian Watson in coaches corner, Check out the local amateur scene and Ryan Wilkinson joins us to talk about what to expect when the RFL announce the news regarding restructuring of the game tune in.