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 

Big Match preview Hull FC v Salford Red Devils

 

Salford Red Devil's travel to Hull FC on Friday night and it promises to be a fascinating encounter. Check out Dan Robinson's preview below where he thinks the game could be won and lost.

Form guide

 

Previous meetings

 

Battles

 

Michael Dobson v Mark Sneyd

Both halfbacks have had great starts to the season, Marc Sneyd in particular after coming under criticism by ex Great Britain and Leeds halfback Garry Schofield, proving against Huddersfield that he has what it takes by scoring a hat trick and adding several goals to his tally. Michael Dobson this season has been the nucleus behind the majority of Salfords performances.

 Dobbo will have to be at his best on Friday along with Rob Lui as they face a battle to retain their starting places with the arrival of Todd Carney which will give head coach Ian Watson a selection headache. Dobson surely ahead in the selection stakes having been Salford's main man this year orchestrating some brilliant try's and most recently taking over the goal kicking duties from Gareth O'Brien.

 

Josh Jones v Josh Griffin

Some fans were under the impression that Jones signed for Salford signalling the end was near for the ex St. Helens man, oh were they proved wrong, from the outset Jones has quite clearly been Salfords go to man this year proving that he still has what it takes by leading the Salford pack along with BMM to ensure that Salford have a solid foundation for the likes of Dobbo, Rob Lui and Todd Carney to play off. 

He has also shown his versatility by playing in the centres and being just as handy as he is there as he is in the second row. Ex Salford man Josh Griffin proved last year whilst playing some of his best rugby with the reds that he can be a handful for any defender and has carried on his form at Hull this year.

 

Craig Kopczak v Scott Taylor 

Kopczak recently signed a new 3 year deal with The Reds and celebrated with a try against St Helens, Craig is steadily proving to be one of the best ball carriers in the super league being one of Salfords best options for go forward whether it's in the starting line up or off the bench as an impact player. Craig is model professional and his attitude towards all aspects of the game will make him a role model for the younger generation of Red Devil fans that aspire to one day play for the mighty Red Devil's.

Scott Taylor like his team mate and ex Salford man Griffin proved last season that he can be a real handful for any defence in the super league and has continued to prove that during his time at Hull. His performance on Friday night will  need to be a big one if he is to be victorious Friday night

Squads

 

 

Your listening to this weeks podcast. Ryan Wilkinson. joins the boys to talk about all things Salford Red Devils, We look back at our great win v St Helens with Gaz Obrien, George GrIffin and Lami Tasi and Ian Watson in coaches corner, Review all the big stories of the week including the return of Robbie Hunter Paul. Paul Whiteside looks at what our amateur sides have been upto this week as we preview the mouth watering clash with Hull on Friday night

Salford v St Helens big match preview

Salford Red Devil's host St Helens on Thursday night at the AJ bell and it looks to be a fantastic match up Dan Robinson looks at where the battle will be won and lost.

 

 

The battles

 

Battle 1 

Carney v Swift

After last weeks fantastic performance Justin Carney is starting to look like his old self again and really seems to be enjoying life as a Devil. The explosive running winger has finally got on the score sheet this season and will no doubt look to double his tally on Thursday night.

Possible England candidate Swift has also been going well for the visitors this season and has done since he came into the scene wearing the saints jersey. Swift certainly has the speed element but can he cope with the power of Carney or Johnson? We shall see.

 

Battle 2

Lee Mossop v  Kyle Amor

After missing out last week against Widnes the 2017 England candidate will no doubt want to be in the team this week against his former sides closer rival. Mossop has really put in some strong performances which hasn't gone unnoticed. His determination to get over the game line has really helped the Devils get on the front foot this season.

Kyle Amor for Saints has also been very good this campaign so far and calls for him to get a call up to the international scene have been made by many saints supporters. Very much like Mossop his no nonsense style of play helps the saints in the middle of the park. This will be a very good battle Thursday night for sure

 

Battle 3

Michal Dobson v Marty Smith 

For me this is the battle that will win the game for either side. Dobson has been such an asset this season and his kicking game will be key if the Devils are to get the points on Thursday. Hopefully he can continue from last week and the link between him, Lui, Carney and Obrien will be crucial.

Ex Salford halfback Smith hasn't had the best start to 2017 after suffering a broken leg. His return to the side last week helped the Saints get the points against a battered Wolves side. Which number 7 will be the one smiling come Thursday night we shall see.

Stats 

 

Form

 

Players to may feature against their former club

 

There will be lots of players looking to impress on Thursday night against their former teams. Salford with Lami Tasi, Mark Flanagan and Josh Jones  will he looking to put one over on the saints.

Ex Salford favourite Theo Fages, Tommy Lee and Matty Smith will be looking forward to coming back to the AJ Bell and spoiling the party.

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all your big match build up here. We look back at a good week for Salford with a win against Widnes with Kris Welham and   Greg Johnson, Ian Watson is in coaches corner as we preview the big game against Saints.

widnes v Salford match report

 

Salford travelled to Widnes looking for back to back wins for the first time this season. Logan Tomkins came up with a terrific try saving tackle as Salford's goal line defence was put under early pressure. 

Some strong running from the pack earned good field position and Lami Tasi powers over for the opening try. O Brien kicks the goal 0-6. Next up a lovely flowing move from the Red Devil's Gaz O'Brien finds Kris Welham who gave Greg Johnson a chance. There is still work to be done but Greg stepped inside superbly to touchdown. O Brien misses the kick 0-10 Salford.

 

Salford's continued to put pressure on Widnes with some great defence. The Vikings come up with an error deep in there own half and Salford pounce. George Griffin went over from close range O'Brien failed to convert but Salford were in control at 0-14. 

The lead soon increases with a try this time from Ben Murdoch Masila. Michael Dobson is successful with the conversation and at 0-20 it was all Salford.

The team really start to turn the screw Greg Johnson races 60 yards after picking up a loose ball. The ball ends up with centre Kris Welham who finishes brilliantly in the corner. Michael Dobson kicks well and it's 0-26. 

 

The Salford supporters behind the sticks are enjoying every second and it's a great away following. A nice kick to touch and there looks nothing on but the Red Devil's chase is tremendous as the force the Widnes player in touch. Salford's enthusiasm is outstanding, racing to form the scrum. Excellent centre play from Junior Sa'u putting Justin Carney over for his first try of the season right on half time. Dobson fails to convert but it's a special first half from Salford 0-30 at the break.

It's a bit of a sloppy start to the second half with a few penalties conceded and Widnes take advantage with Corey Thompson going over 4-30.

There was a welcoming roar when Todd Carney entered the field for his debut. Moments later Justin Carney makes a great burst and charges down the pitch. Todd throws out a speculative pass to Sa'u who cuts loose and Michael Dobson is in support to score a well deserved try O'Brien kicks the goal 4-36.

 

Holes are starting to appear all over for the Widnes defence and Robert Lui is next on the try scoring list with a huge smile on his face it is well deserved! O brien couldn't convert 4-40. Todd Carney started to find his feet and made another Salford break. Players are queuing up to score and Gaz O'Brien strolled in. Dobson kicked the goal 4-46. Rhys Hansbury gets the final score of the game a consolation for the Vikings! 

It's an outstanding display from Salford demolishing Widnes. Ian Watson was delighted with attack and defence a real solid team performance! The whole feeling around the club at the moment is positive and Salford are definitely building momentum. St. Helens come to the AJ Bell next Thursday but in this form Salford won't fear anybody! Widnes 10 Salford 46. Paul whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast. All the latest news regarding Magic Weekend tickets, interviews with George Griffin, Mark Flanagan, Rob Lui and Lee Mossop as well as a look at where our amateur sides play this Saturday. The big debate after it was announced we will face Toronto Wolfpack in the Challenge cup and our fantastic win yesterday which trophy you our listener prefer to win the Challenge cup or the Super league title? A great debate to enjoy tweet us your answer by using #cupreds or #superreds