Hull v salford big match preview ditd

Hull v Salford

The Airlie Birds of Hull may have missed out on a trip to Wembley but Lee Radford and his side are very much in the Super League race. 

Coming in to Saturday’s fixture both sides are in good form. Salford have won their last four matches. Hull have won three out of their last four with a 14-15 home defeat to Wigan being a slight disappointment.

The two sides have met twice this season already. Hull won on both occasions with the match at The KCOM back in June being a particularly exciting game. Salford roared back scoring three tries in the final ten minutes coming up just short in a 35-32 defeat. 

With just four matches of the regular season remaining so much could still happen to the Super League Table. St. Helens have already guaranteed themselves top spot and The League Leaders shield. Warrington and Hull have 32 points, Wigan sit fourth on 28 with Salford fifth on 26. Just outside the playoff spots ready to pounce are Castleford and Catalans.

The picture could change again this weekend at both ends of the table with the relegation battle equally as compelling.

Hull’s unpredictability has let them down at times this season but their is no doubting the quality of their squad. Marc Sneyd, Jake Connor and Albert Kelly provide the craft, Danny Houghton is one of the most reliable hookers in the country and the danger in the three quarter line provides a real threat. 

Veteran forward Gareth Ellis continues to impress at the age of 38 since coming out of retirement. With twenty seasons behind him and over 400 career appearances. Ellis is a modern day great having earned so much respect from supporters, players, coaches and the media both in England and Australia. Captaining Hull to Challenge Cup wins in 2016 and 2017 has made him a hero and fans favourite in Humberside.

Historically Salford’s record on the West Side of Hull is nothing to shout about. 

Since Hull’s move from the Boulevard to the KCOM Salford have managed just one victory with twenty defeats in the league. Two very thrilling cup ties have been won by Salford though a very late try in 2009 and a thrilling golden point drop goal a few years later. Some of those league defeats have been very heavy and made painful viewing for the supporters. The one victory we did get was most certainly a memorable one 18-54 in 2017. A fantastic performance and a Watson coaching Masterclass!

Super League away record.

Hull 20

Draws 0

Salford 1

1998 Hull 32 Salford 0

1999 Hull 18 Salford 12

2000 Hull 26 Salford 22

2001 Hull 40 Salford 8

2002 Hull 28 Salford 8

2002 Hull 60 Salford 16

2004 Hull 82 Salford 6

2005 Hull 20 Salford 6

2006 Hull 11 Salford 10

2007 Hull 48 Salford 26

2009 Hull 14 Salford 12

2010 Hull 34 Salford 12

2011 Hull 52 Salford 16

2012 Hull 34 Salford 26

2013 Hull 18 Salford 13

2014 Hull 30 Salford 8

2015 Hull 24 Salford 20

2016 Hull 42 Salford 20

2017 Hull 18 Salford 54

2017 Hull 32 Salford 18 (Super Eights)

2018 Hull 45 Salford 14

2019 Hull 35 Salford 32

They played for both 

Paul Fletcher, Richie Barnett, Brian Blacker, Jodie Broughton, Craig Coleman, Josh Griffin, Brad Hepi, Mark Johnson, Daniel Holdsworth, Alan Hunte, Stuart Howarth, Warren Jowitt, Tommy Lee, Ryan Mcgoldrick, Craig Murdock, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Tommy Saxton, Scott Taylor, Jordan Turner, Martin Gleeson and Marc Sneyd.

A match to remember Friday 7th April 2017.

Hull 18 Salford 54.

Sometimes in sport everything clicks, everything comes off and everything falls into place. On this special night two seasons ago Salford and their supporters at the KCOM stadium were in absolute dreamland. On a ground that had dished out so much pain to Salford and many heavy defeats.

Hull took the lead through winger Shaun Michaels before The Red Devils ran riot. Seven first half tries blew the hosts apart. Every time Salford we’re in possession anything seemed possible. Michael Dobson and Robert Lui worked their magic and a magnificent effort from the pack got the rampaging Red Devils well on the front foot. 

Greg Johnson and Craig Kopczak both crossed twice, while Robert Lui, Junior Sa'u and Justin Carney also went over before the break.

Whatever Hull coach Lee Radford said to his players at half time seemed to fire them up for a fight. The home side threatened a comeback with a couple of quick tries but Salford clicked back into gear. Michael Dobson and George Griffin touched down before Ben Murdoch Masila went on a swashbuckling charge to crash over right in front of the delighted travelling Salford supporters.

One or two ghosts were laid to rest that night. Ian Watson remained grounded and humble speaking after the match but had a slight twinkle in his eye!

Hull FC: Shaul; Michaels, Fonua, Griffin, Talanoa; Connor, Sneyd; Bowden, Washbrook, Watts, Manu, Minichiello, Thompson.

Replacements: Green, Turgut, Fash, Litten.

Sin-Bin: Sneyd (35), Shaul (67).

Salford Red Devils : O'Brien; Carney, Sa'u, Welham, Johnson; Lui, Dobson; Mossop, Tomkins, Tasi, Murdoch-Masila, Jones, Flanagan.

Replacements: Kopczak, Griffin, Walne, Carney.

Sin-Bin: Carney (59).

Attendance: 11,016

Referee: Gareth Hewer.

Saturday’s match.

Ian Watson and his Salford side have defied the odds all season. Written off most weeks by certain sections of the media and rugby league pundits seems to fuel the desire of Watson and his players. 

With such a small squad and limited resources to be sitting in fifth place with four matches remaining is nothing short of remarkable. 

The Red Devil’s have signed players over the last 12 months that have been cast aside by other clubs. Chances have been taken and faith has been restored, Watson has a habit of improving players not only on the pitch but as people off the pitch as well. 

With a fantastic togetherness and team spirit perhaps their are still some exciting times ahead for everyone at Salford this season. 2019 has been one heck of an adventure so far.

Both Hull and Salford play an entertaining brand of Rugby League. Salford are the second highest point scorers in Super League behind St. Helens which again is an unbelievable statistic.

With Jackson Hastings right up their in The Albert Goldthorpe medal and Man of steel ratings and not to forget Niall Evalds Super League’s leading try scorer the wider Rugby League community are beginning to take note.

Saturday’s match has all the hallmarks of a classic match. Two sides going flat out for the top five with just four points between them in the table.

The action gets under way at 5pm.

Safe journey everyone and enjoy the game.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Hull FC 32 Salford 18 match report

Salford kicked off there super 8s campaign with a tough trip up the M62 to Hull. The Airlie birds were on a high after a terrific semi final display to dispatch Leeds. 

The Red Devil's made a bright start Manu Vatuvei taking a high kick and racing down the pitch. He then won a penalty and with some good work from Jake Bibby Vatuvei scores in the corner. With Michael Dobson not playing Todd Carney took on the goal kicking. His first attempt missed 0-4.

Todd Carney then came up with an error which allowed Hull the field position. Moments later after some poor defence Albert Kelly raced in to level the scores. Jake Connor added the goal 6-4. Hull then made it back to back tries Carlos Tuimavave going in after Salford were carved up through the middle. Connor added the goal 12-4.

Robert Lui then finds a bit of magic, his pass puts Niall Evalds through who races 60 yards to the line turning Hull full back Jamie Shaul inside out. Carney fails with the conversation attempt 12-8. 

Rob Lui starts to make a mark on the game with another super kick this time a high bomb is lost in the air by Hull winger Mahe Fonua. From a set scrum ten yards from the line Lui powers over to level the scores. Salford decide to change goal kickers and Lui kicks off the touch line to nudge the Red Devil's ahead 12-14.

Right on the hooter Salford are penalised and hull wisely take the two points on offer to level the score 14-14 half time.

Tyrone McCarthy comes close to opening the scoring at the start of the second half just missing a Lui kick into the in goal area. Shortly after another try goes begging when the busy Lui puts George Griffin through a big gap his pass finds Evalds before the ball goes to ground. 

The game then seem to change momentum wise on the next set when hull find a 40-20 kick from Danny Haughton. A high kick follows but no Salford player seems to jump allowing Fetuli Talanoa to score, Connor makes it 4/4 with the boot 20-14. Jake Connor continued to have a huge say in the game scoring a try after throwing a dummy to ease past some very ordinary Salford defence. His goal stretched the lead to 26-14.

Hulls off load was doing a lot of damage at times the Red Devil's defence looked all over the place. Tuimavave grabbed his second try with Connor converting to put the game out of Salford's reach 32-14. With 15 minutes to go Vatuvei scored his second try. The big kiwi making his mark on the night with a solid display. Another big performance from Niall Evalds at full back with Logan Tomkins playing 80 minutes in a brave display. 

Salford definitely missed Dobson's organisation, with Sau, Tasi, Mossop, Brining and Flanagan missing it was a tough night. Ian Watson was again disappointed at the end of the game with Castleford visiting the AJ bell stadium next Friday Salford are desperate to get a win to boost confidence. Manu Vatuvei is slotting in well and is only going to get better as the weeks go by. His go forward and meter making tonight were fantastic. Defence definitely needs work and the intensity that was there early in the season is missing at the moment. 

Final score Hull 32 Salford 18.

Report by Paul Whiteside 

Pictures by steve McCormick 

Big match preview Salford v Hull FC

Paul Parkin looks forward to Salford v Hull FC on Friday. It's a vital game for both sides read his preview here.

So we go into another massive clash this Friday with the two teams coming off very different results last time out. For Salford, it was a disappointing day at the office against a well drilled Wakefield side (The first to do the double over us this season) losing our long uneaten run. As for the Airlie Birds the won a topsy-turvy tussle against Wigan winning 39-26 with goal kicking being the major difference and that without the kicking of Marc Sneyd!

I think this game will prove to be very tight and if our Super League history is anything to go by then expect a nail biter. Average home super league score over 18 matches is Salford 22 Hull FC 23

 

Battle 1

Gareth O’Brien v Jamie Shaul

These two will no doubt have a huge influence on which side takes the spoils this week, both are very adept at joining into the attack with devastating effect. Gareth has been eagerly watched by opposing defences in recent weeks as his threat is now a crucial factor in our fantastic season. Shaul is a very exciting player, plenty of pace and an elusive running style he’ll surely pose us a major headache.

Both players must be hugely unlucky not to have been included in the England train on squad.

 

Battle 2

Rob Lui v Albert Kelly

The two magicians of their respective sides, the two who could well hold the key to victory. Both players are mavericks with unconventional ways of playing. Rob has been in some fantastic form this year setting up much of what has been good for Salford and has developed a great understanding with Michael Dobson. Albert Kelly made the short but treacherous trip across the City of Hull last season and boy has it paid off, he’s made many eye-catching appearances and scored some scintillating tries a real game winner for FC.

  Battle 3

 

Ben Murdoch-Masila v Liam Watts

Now for the grunt up front. Both these men have been in impervious form this season and will lead their sides up the park. BMM has been a real sensation this year causing teams no end of problems and crossing the whitewash with alarming regularity. Watts is a real warrior, uncompromising, tough, solid and dependable. The experienced Prop lead by example for the Hull side and puts his hand up for more work both in attack and defence.

 

Stats

 

Form

Team news

 

 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat, we are joined by Richard Lowe who helps us look at all the big news coming from the club, Rob Lui, Jake Bibby, Logan Tomkins and Kris Brining look back at the Wakefield defeat with Ian Watson in coaches corner 

Paul looks at the results and fixtures of the local amateur clubs in the area as we look forward to the Hull FC game on Sunday.

Super league review Bank Holiday Monday

Bank Holiday Monday was another great day of rugby in Super league read all about it here

 

Leigh 10 Hull FC 24

Hull got back to Winning ways with a big win against Leigh.

Leading 18-0 at half time with Tries from Liam Watts and Albert Kelly they were in total control.

Leigh battled back in the 2nd half with a try from ex Red Liam Hood but Hull had enough to secure the win to gain some confidence for the weeks to come.

 

Leeds 42 Widnes 22

Leeds survived a spirited performance by Widnes to keep in touching distance of the top of Super league.

It was another top performance by ex Red Joel Moon which was the highlight for Leeds in the 1st half with 2 tries to help them build a 30-6 lead.

Widnes fought hard throughout the game and battled back into contention with tries from Tom Gilmore but Leeds yet again found another gear with a try from Kalum Watkins sealing the win for them.

 

Catalan Dragons 38 Salford 6

Salfords 5 game unbeaten run came to an end in a hot day in France.

Catalan are a strong side at home and found some rhythm in the 1st half with Tries from Vincent Duport scoring twice.

Justin Carney scored a length of the field try to give Salford some hope but that was extinguished when Ex Red Richie Myler scored and Vincent Duport scored his hatrick try.

 

Warrington 26 Huddersfield 24

Warrington secured their 3rd win on the trot with a hard fought victory against Huddersfield.

Wire lead 16-12 at half time with tries from Darl Clark and Kirt Gidley.

Danny Brough was Huddersfields main threat scoring a try and kicking a penalty goal to push the Giants into a 20-16 lead.

Two late Warrington Tries swung the game their way, despite more heroics from Brough at the end his conversation attempt sailed wide and the points were Warringtons.

 

Wakefield 10 Wigan 16

Wigan edged out Wakefield in a scrappy affair at Belle View on Bank Holiday Monday.

Sean O'loughlin scored for Wigan but Ex Red Ben Jones Bishop put Wakefield back in contention.

Both sides could have won the game in the latter stages but a  Liam Marshall effort was the match winner for the Warriors.

 

St Helens 26 Castleford 22

League leaders Castleford Tigers suffered defeat against St Helens.  

Two tries from Regan Grace help build a lead for Saints in the 1st period of the game 20-8 but Castleford fought back.

Castleford with two tries from Ex Red Greg Eden and Ben Roberts were hopeful they could stage a remarkable 2nd half fight back but Saints just about squeezed over the line to secure the win.

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all your Salford Red Devil's Rugby chat and news with interviews this week with Michael Dobson and Lami Tasi.

super league review

 

There has been some great rugby played so far this Easter read all about it here in our Super League Full Time Review.

 

Huddersfield 22 Catalan Dragons 29

Catalan kicked of their Easter period with a hard fought win against Hudddsfield.

Aaron Murphy and Jake Mamo scored twice to put the Giants ahead but Tony Gigot's try and Brayden Wiliame's converted score gave Dragons a 12-10 lead at the break.

Catalan took control in the 2nd half Ex Red Richie Myler among the scorers.

Huddersfield have now gone seven games without a win, despite battling draws at both Wigan and St Helens during that run, and remain third from bottom. Catalan are seventh.

 

Widnes 10 Warrington 19

Warrington beat Widnes in a close fought Cheshire derby this Easter.

Stefan Marsh scored early for Widnes Wolves then hit back with tries from Tom Lineham, Jack Hughes and Joe Philbin, and Declan Patton's drop-goal, to lead give them a 17-4 at half-time lead.

Charly Runciman pulled one back for Widnes but Patton's late penalty made it three games unbeaten for Tony Smith's side and builds the pressure on Widnes coach Dennis Betts.

 

Salford Red Devil's 12 Leigh Centurions 6

Salford secured their 5 win in a row after a nervy win against Leigh on Good Friday.

Leigh's Mitch Brown's first-half try was cancelled out by a Kris Welham's score to make it 6-6 at half-time.

Gareth O'Brien scored for Salford after a long period of pressure, and Michael Dobson added the two to put Salford ahead with quarter of an hour to play.  It got very nervous down the AJ Bell from then on but Salford saw the game out to the delight of the big crowd that turned out on the day.

 

Hull FC 24 Leeds Rhinos 52

A big win away for the Rhinos allows them to keep pace with the other front runners in Super League.

It was a good day for ex Red Joel Moon who's double helped put Leeds 30-12 up in a five-try first-half performance, with Steve Michaels and Ex Red  Scott Taylor going over in response.

Hull's Jamie Shaul and Mark Minichiello then went over either side of Danny McGuire's sin-binning for Leeds.

But Leeds have found some back bone and saw the tough game out. A win which will please Brian McDermott. Hull FC coach Lee Radford will be concerned as another 50 point defeat has got the alarm bells ringing.

 

Wigan Warriors 29 St Helens 18

Wigan kicked off their Easter with a big win against St Helens. Saints who had Kyle Amor sent off early battled throughout the game but trailed when Joe Burgess scored before half time.

Tries from Liam Marshall, another from Liam Farrell and Burgess' second eased Wigan clear despite replies from Regan Grace and Tommy Makinson.

With Keiron Cunningham departed the Saints will look back at this game as one which got away from them after the sending off of Kyle Amor.

 

Castleford Tigers 42 Wakefield 24

Castleford beat local rivals Wakefield to keep their top spot in Super League.

Castleford started well with six first-half tries, with Jake Webster and Grant Millington crossing twice, after David Fifita gave Wakefield an early lead.

Prop Fifita scored again in the second half, Wakefield thought they could be in with a chance of Good Friday Success.

Castlefords Greg Eden's scored his 12th try of the season ensured a fourth straight Tigers win.

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast, all your Salford Red Devil's Rugby league chat and news in one place. This week we talk to Michael Dobson, Lami Tasi and Ian watson looking forward to the Easter period.

Hull 18 Salford 54 Match Report

  

Salford put on a stunning 10 try performance against Hull FC last night, Here is Paul Whitesides view on this game which will live long in the memory.

Salford travelled to Humberside in search of there first league win at hull FC since a 15-20 success in January 1995! Confidence was flowing through the team after three good victories and a top display last week against St. Helens.

It was a nervy opening for Salford with Jamie Shaul busting through before Mark Sneyds pin point kick was palmed on to Steve Michaels for the opening try of the game. Sneyds kicked the goal and it was  6-0 Hull.

Hull then get back to back penalties and cautiously take the two points to edge there lead to 8-0.

Salford hit back when Logan Tomkins scoots from dummy half setting Robert Lui up for a fine try. Michael Dobson kicks the goal 8-6.

 

With 18 minutes gone the penalty count is stacking against Salford when referee Gareth Hewer put the Red Devil's on a team warning. Despite that Salford were over again though Mark Flanagan found Gareth O Brien with a lovely pass and with his soft hands send Greg Johnson over in the corner. Dobson couldnt convert but Salford lead 8-10.

The Red Devil's started to really up the tempo, Lui's clever kick trapped Shaul in goal. Salford started to attack with real menace Logan Tomkins put Craig kopzack over  and with the conversion by Dobson Salford lead 8-16. 

The tenth penalty of the game after 25 minutes sees Hull put on a team warning. Salford took full advantage making the pressure tell when Kopczack stumbles over the line. O Brien kicks the goal and it's 8-22. Another attack happened and Sau powered over as Salford looked unstoppable with ball in hand O Brien can't convert 8-26.

 

Mark Sneyd is sin binned with 5 minutes of the first half remaining and Salford took full advantage Kris Welham sent Greg Johnson over. Robert Lui was tremendous, dangerous with the ball and his clever kicking punished Hull. There is time for another score just before the break when Tomkins throws a wonderful pass to Junior Sau who sends Justin Carney over the travelling support sent into ecstasy. O Brien can't convert but Salford lead 8-34 at half time.

 

Hull started the second half looking to get back into the game and with two quick tries from Shaul and Michaels the Red Devil's were pegged back to 18-34. Salford had to dig in and weather a real storm as the hone side start to off load and look dangerous.

Just before the hour mark Todd Carney entered the fray with Rob Lui moving to hooker. Justin Carney is sin binned while in possession from punching at what looks a crucial stage of the match. 

Todd Carney sends a fine pass out to Greg Johnson who cuts in field and it's Robert Lui who puts Michael Dobson in to extinguish any hopes of a Hull comeback. The kick is successful to steady the ship at 18-40. 

 

There was another thrilling Salford break from Ben Murdoch Masila, Greg Johnson was stopped just short and Shaul was sinbinned for holding down. O Brien wisely takes the two points on offer to take the sting out of the march 18-42.

 Salford are not done scoring yet and continue to move the ball with superb fluidity. George Griffin galloping through a huge gap in the hull defence 18-48! Finally Murdoch Masila puts the icing on the Salford cake bursting through to score in the corner where the Salford faithful are gathered. O Brien kicks the goal 18-54! 

A superb ten try demolition of Hull FC.

Speaking after the game Salford's coach Ian Watson was cautious and knows there is a lot of hard work to be done! There were patches in the match where Salford can improve and a tough Good Friday game against local rivals Leigh awaits! 

After plenty of big defeats at hull FC over the years it was great to turn the tables tonight! The momentum is building and the manner of this victory will make the rest of the Super League sit up and take note of the wonderful work Ian Watson and his staff are doing! 

Final score Hull FC 18 Salford 54

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

 

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.

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