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 Red Devils v Leeds big match preview DITD

Salford v Leeds Match Preview.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Memorable results From Yesteryear.

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

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

Old Trafford.

Salford 27 Leeds 2   17th September 1971.

Salford 61 Leeds 13  17th March 1974.

Salford 7 Leeds 5   20th February 1976.

Salford 24 Leeds 7  21st September 1979.

Salford 16 Leeds 22   29th September 1985.

Salford 30 Leeds 38  12th May 1999

Salford 18 Leeds 19    16th June 2006

Salford 24 Leeds 30   11th September 2009

Salford 14 Leeds 10    9th April 2016.

Salford 38 Leeds 22   27th July 2018.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They played for both.

Here are a few players to wear the red of Salford and the blue and amber of Leeds.

Luke Burgess, Joel Moon, Mark Brooke-Cowden, Andrew Duneman, Ensene Famailo, Phil Ford, Ashley Gibson, Phil Hassan, Weller Hauraki, Ben Jones Bishop, Andy Kirk, Francis Maloney, Richie Myler and David Young.

Friday’s match.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Safe travels and enjoy the game everyone.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford v St Helens Big match preview

A few weeks ago, looking at the fixture list and seeing Saint Helens coming to town, you could have been forgiven for not being overly optimistic as a Salford fan. Now though with back to back victories, a performance that Ian Watson labelled one of the best in three years and the Saints slipping up against Wakefield, there seems a new found optimism around the club and fans.

With The 38-4 demolition of Trinity fresh in the minds, Salford will be keen to press on with their performances and keep up the intensity they showed across nearly all the game on Friday last week.

With Rob Lui injured, however, Ian Watson will have to rely heavily on Jack Littlejohn as his only true half and hoping Mark Flanagan and Tyrone McCarthy can step up and provide some pivots as they did so ably last time out.

Saints in contrast have few injury concerns ahead of Thursday’s match, however the absence of James Roby could be important and is an area that Watto could potentially target.

Let’s look at those critical areas of the pitch that could make the difference in the head to heads:

Wood/Littlejohn V Fages/Smith

The Lui / Littlejohn axis was developing week on week, for Salford, but due to Rob Lui’s injury during the Wakefield game, it meant Wood and Flanagan doing a lot of work in the halves. It appeared that because of this, Littlejohn thrived on the opportunity and had his best game since arriving at the start of the season. Let’s hope his confidence continues into this match and Wood and other pivots can rely on him to control the game.

Give any team in super league room to play and you’ll be in a lot of trouble. This is no different for top scorers and league leaders St Helens. 

They have creativity all over the field, but the Salford defence cannot allow former Red Devils’ Matty Smith or Theo Fages any time or space on the ball, otherwise it could be a long evening for Salford players and fans alike.

Big Ben v Amor.

Ben Nakubuwai had another great performance last week, running hard and straight and barely missing a tackle. Salford will need every bit of that performance and more should they wish to get anything from this match. This area in particular is somewhere they have competed fiercely with any all all super league clubs so far this season and is one part of the field that they may have the edge this Thursday.

Kyle Amor got his name on the scoresheet for Saints last week during their hammering of  Huddersfield Giants. As with many in this confident Saints side, he is keen to offload when he sees an opportunity and this is something that Salford’s pack will need to nullify if they want to get something out of the game.

Evalds v Barba

With Gareth O’Brien gone, Niall Evalds has become an automatic first on the team sheet. His calmness under the high ball and his defensive positioning has been very impressive all season even during the losses he’s looked solid. He will be severely tested again on Thursday, the expectation on him to perform is testament to how much his game has improved over the last 2 seasons.

It’s not an understatement to say that Ben Barba has lit up Super league so far this season. His brace of tries during Saints last outing could have been 4 or 5 such was their dominance during the game. His breathtaking speed and acceleration will be something that concern the Salford coaching staff and it will clearly be something they will have worked on this week in training. Can he be blunted?

Last 6 games head to head


Form guide

On paper, the power and creativity of St Helens should be more than a match for The Red Devil’s, however they’ve shown against Wakefield that they can be vulnerable in defence and you can be certain Ian Watson has been studying the weaknesses and will be hoping to exploit them. This factor alongside the good recent form, performances and hopefully a large and loud following from the Salford faithful and they could power their way to victory! Come on Salford!