Catalan Dragons Super league season preview 2017

Home ground

The Brutus Stadium has been the scene of many memorable moments in Catalan and French rugby league during the seventies, eighties and nineties. After some further development It will have a capacity of 13,180 and will be equipped with all the infrastructures necessary for the development of a professional sports club..

Previewing 2017

AFTER A SEASON OF TWO HALVES IN 2016, CATALANS DRAGONS WILL BE HOPING FOR A MORE CONSISTENT CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR.

After a strong first half to their 2016 campaign Catalans faltered to a fifth placed finish and will have their sights set on a play-off place for sure in 2017. An impressive home record has always been crucial for the Dragons and they will look to continue to make it difficult for sides to leave the Stade Gilbert Brutus with the two points this season. Catalans have lost some big names ahead of 2017 with the likes of Gregory Mounis, Pat Richards and Todd Carney leaving Perpignan.

Laurent Frayssinous has recruited well from the Super League and NRL with the likes of Luke Walsh and the return of Greg Bird to bolster their ranks for 2017. However the dragons fans will also be looking for their emerging French stars to hold down first team places in 2017.

last season finish 5th place
2017 prediction 6th place

Salford 12 Catalan Dragons 26

Catalan Dragons 42 Salford Red Devils 32
Player links

Catalan Dragons have 3 former Reds in their squad. Luke Burgess who played for Salford in the 2016 Middle 8 playoffs will bolster a already big French pack, ex Salford Speedster Jodie Broughton will be among the tries again and Richie Myler will be the creative force for the French men in 2017.

Check out our latest podcast here all your Salford Red Devils chat and news, we talk to Michael Dobson, Lami Tasi and Ian Watson

Castleford Tigers 2017 Superleague preview

Castleford Tigers

Home Ground :  The Mend-A-Hose Jungle

Wheldon Road Stadium first became home to Castleford RLFC in 1927. The ground was originally home to Castleford Town Football Club, with Castleford RLFC taking up home a year after their first season as a senior rugby club (having played the first season as what is now Castleford Lock Lane).
The stadium has a capacity of 12,000, but back in 1935 had a record attendance of 25,449 for a third round challenge Cup match v Hunslet. The stadium has been named the Mend-A-Hose Jungle since 2014.

In what was a good season for The Tigers in 2016, 2017 under the control of Daryl Powell looks again to be a positive one. The Tigers have recruited well with former Leeds fullback Zak Hardaker the main signing for the tigers who will no doubt increase their attacking ability. 2016 saw the return of ex Salford half back Rangi Chase to bolster the tigers ranks and form a great partnership with England international scrum half Luke Gale towards the back end of the season.

The main news coming from the tigers in recent weeks was the loss of the try scoring machine Denny Solomona to rugby union outfit Sale Sharks. The tigers are still in dispute with the sharks over the signing of their top try scorer and I don't think we have seen or heard the last of this situation. The tigers in my opinion will again reach the top 8 if not further as their squad looks keen, motivated and ready to roar.

Last seasons results

Salford 22 Castleford Tigers 18

Castleford Tigers 16 Salford Red Devils 32

2016 6th Place finish
2017 prediction 5th

Ex players

One of the most gifted players in recent years to wear the Salford Shirt Rangi Chase is back in the colours of Castleford Tigers, a fantastic player on his day The Castleford Tigers will be looking for him to rediscover the form of 2011 when he won super leagues man of streel to lead them to success in 2017,.

You are listening to this weeks Devil in the Details for all your latest Salford Red Devils chat and news, this week we have update from the latest fans forum with CEO Ian Blease,, Phil Cooper and Ex Salford player Paul Highton talk about the new magic weekend shirt and State of mind project designed to help ex players and people in the local community and Ian Watson is in Coaches corner to talk us through the defeat against Wakefield.
So Tune in to this weeks Podcast with Rob, Paul and Ryan for all your Salford Red Devils chat and previw of the Castleford game on Sunday.

Fans Forum excitement

A very exciting night took place down at the AJ Bell Stadium on Monday 28th November.

A chance for new CEO and ex Salford Captain Ian Blease to talk about his vision for the club in 2017.

We were impressed, he showed the passion and drive which made him a fans favourite while wearing the shirt. In his new role and we think there will be lots more to come from him though out the season.
Marwan who was in attendance took a back seat and enjoyed the show like the rest of the fans in the room and what he saw must have impressed him.

Ian Watson unveiled Willie Poching as his new assistant coach. It was Willies 1st day but early impressions he seemed impressed with the club and the players in the squad.  Willie will bring some experience to the back room staff and is a positive move for 2017.

New signings were welcomed by the crowd. Lee Mossop, Lama Tasi , Junior Sa'u, Kris Brining, and Daniel Murray all spoke very positively about their plans for the new season.

During the question and answers both Ian Watson and Blease talked about creating a honest professional culture within the club. You build a club from the base and with these core values in place  2017 and beyond is going to be a exciting time for the club.

Marketing and media is always a big talking point for many fans,  Ian Blease explained we are looking to expand in this area.

With a plan to build relationships with local schools, colleges, universities as well as our amateur clubs to help grow our fan base it seems like the club are well placed to tap into this potential goldmine of supporters.

The new official website will be available from the 5th December fans online experience of Salford Red Devil's will improve even more.

The more the club can become visible in the local community the bigger our support will become. A blend of online and real life marketing is key to the clubs plans to grow our fan base in 2017.

With the Local Council and Peel Holdings also helping Salford to reach their potential around the city our brand could be seen by millions of people in the local area through Christmas and into the new year.

The new video advertising the new home shirt was impressive, lots of fan interaction talking about how much the club means to them struck a cord with many leaving the people at the meeting thinking that it was  a very good video.

The 1st fans forum should be viewed as a success, there is still lots to do in the off season but I feel we are heading in the right direction to make 2017 a huge success.

Hull KR 18 Salford 19 - The one you tell the Grandkids

Salford travelled to Craven Park for there day of destiny! There was a real sense of nervous tension outside the ground before kickoff but a great site to see the Salford coaches arriving in numbers! The Robins made the better start putting Salford under pressure and Adam walker powered over for the opening try. Josh Mantellato kicked the goal 6-0. Things got better for rovers when Josh Mantellato finished brilliantly in the corner some how managing to stay in the field of play. He missed the kick 10-0.

Salford really had to weather the storm now and dug in to hold there line well. Ben Murdoch Masila charged over to get the Red Devils on the score board. Gareth O Brien failed to convert 10-4. Robert Lui then had a try disallowed by the video referee. Mantellato looked to have spilled the ball in the tackle but it was adjudged to be a ball steal.

This spurred Salford on, they moved the ball superbly and Niall Evalds finished off a sweeping move to score in the corner. Niall had come off the bench to replace the injured Junior Sau. O Brien kicked off the touch line as the Salford support roared with delight 10-10.

Just before half time Rovers were awarded a soft penalty and Mantellato booted the two points 12-10 at the break. It was a very tight opening to the second half with neither team wanting to give anything away. Thomas Mimms score 15 minutes in to the second half with Mantellato's goal giving the rovers an 8 point buffer at 18-10! Michael Dobson tried everything and again was magnificent. Terry Campese then kicked a huge 40-20kick and hull kr looked for the knock out punch. Thankfully Salford survived with Niall Evalds very cool and calm in defence.

As the clock ticked down in the last five minutes thoughts went to a derby next year with old foe Swinton Lions and our future looked very uncertain. Josh Griffin had been a real hand full all afternoon released a lovely pass to send Evalds over for his second try, O Brien rushed and missed the kick 18-14. With around 50 seconds remaining it seemed to late.

The Robins kicked off and Salford had to throw caution to the wind.Josh Griffin made a break and puts Evalds away, the Salford supporters were on there feet. Evalds cuts inside but is brought down 20 yards short. This will be the last play as the ball is moved right, Mark Flanagan throws the best pass of his career to Ben Murdoch Masila  the hooter sounds... the gaps is there... he finds Greg Johnson and it's a miracle!!! Jonson scores the most important try of his life to tie the match 18-18! It's bedlam in the north and south stands! O Brien will kick for the match off the touch line!

It misses and it will be golden point extra time but Salford have the momentum Rovers look shattered! The players and supporters have a quick breather. Salford win the toss and receive the kick off! Rovers fly out keen in defence as Salford drive the ball forward in a conservative fashion. It's the last tackle the ball finds O Brien just inside the rovers half he attempts the drop goal, it's probably the sweetest connection he's ever made with a ball and it sails over from 50 meters out!!! The scenes in the crowd are amazing as the Salford supporters flood the pitch! There's a huge sense of shock, elation and relief from the traveling Red Army who believed that the game had gone 2 minutes earlier.

There are unplesent scenes between two small groups of opposition fans on the field after the game but the greatest RL comeback possibly of all time should be the story that comes out of yesterdays game.

We knew this group of players could do the job! Some one said to me after the game "things like this don't happen to us". Well they did today.

Delighted for Ian Watson a true gentleman who has led Salford with real pride and dignity. Man City had the Sergio moment, Man United had the Solkskjaer moment now Salford have the Gareth O Brien! Let's hope we carry this momentum into next year! Final score Hull kr 18 Salford 19 Paul Whiteside away day red 😀

Batley 14 Salford 42 - Salford make Million Pound game

Salford travelled to Mount Pleasant to face Batley knowing they had to at least equal London Broncos result against Featherstone to qualify for The Million Pound Game. The opening ten minutes were very tight Salford made mistakes and failed to complete there sets. The Bulldogs couldn't take advantage and the opening score went to Salford with Gareth O Brien scoring after a nice move. O Brien added the goal 0-6. 3 minutes later it was good work from o Brien again to send junior Sau over in the corner the goal was booted off the touch line to give Salford a real solid start 0-12.

Sau then makes a mistake trying to field a Batley kick. From the scrum the pressure is applied ten yards out and the Bulldogs are in with Wayne Rettie kick is missed 4-12. Salford though up the tempo and score through Weller Hauraki. O Brien adds his third goal 4-18. The Red Devils start to move through the gears playing down the slope Greg Johnson is next up to score out wide o Brien misses the goal 4-22. Hauraki soon after ghosts over the line which o Brien goals 4-28. Salford are now totally in control and growing in confidence much to the delight of the good travelling support.

There's just time for another score before half time as Josh Griffin scores, o Brien makes it 5/6 goals. Half time score 4-34. The second half is a different story as the slope comes in to play. Rettie gets the opening try his 100th in the professional game. The kick is missed 8-34. Robert Lui makes a super break with a nice neat change of pace gets to the line to clinch the victory for Salford, O Brien kicks the goal 8-38. The Bulldogs are determined to win the second half and score again as centre Chris Ulugia goes over. Pat Walker kicks the goal 14-38. Salford finish the day with the final try. Great work from the impressive O Brien as he drops his shoulder to scoot to the line. He can't add the goal 14-42. That's the way it finished.

.A good solid performance sends Salford to Craven Park next Saturday in The Million Pound Game to play Hull kr in a fight for super league survival. It's going to be a real nerve shredder that's for sure. Let's hope we take a huge following and get right behind the club we love so much Salford RLFC. Great to see the smiles on supporters faces today. Paul Whiteside The Away Day Red .

SALFORD 16 LONDON 19

Salford were looking to build on last weeks victory this afternoon when London Broncos were the visitors to the AJ Bell stadium! It was a slow start with the Broncos frustrating Salford in the early stages as both sides traded sets. London got the first try William Barteau pounced to race away and score an interception try. Jamie Soward misses the conversion 0-4.

Salford desperately try to get back level and blow certain tries when Josh Griffin and Junior Sau spill the ball from good chances. Niall Evalds also goes close. It's a big blow when Craig Kopzack is forced off with an ankle injury.The Red Devils finally get the scores level when George Griffin powers over under the posts. Gareth O Brien Adds the goal 6-4 after 35 minutes.

London continue to impress and shock Salford again with a well worked try from Scott Leatherbarrow after a great break from the lively Isreal Eliab. Jamie Soward adds the goal to send London to the half time break leading 6-10.

As the second half starts the Broncos continue to work hard and Salford make errors! 58 minutes gone London edge further ahead with an excellent try. Soward splits the defence with a super break finding Eliab who looks to be going in touch but some how off loads back to Soward who crashes over to stun the crowd. His kick of the touch line is excellent. 6-16. If Salford needed a wake up call they've just had it!

With 15 minutes remain and the Broncos adding a penalty goal to edge themselves a bit closer with a  6-18 lead the spark and urgency seemed to be missing from Salford today. Michael Dobson gives away a real soft penalty to help London up the field and they wisely work there way to the posts with Barteau dropping a goal 6-19. Josh Griffin adds two late tries for Salford with O Brien adding the goal from the first try.

London hold on though for a famous win one they deserve! If Salford are to survive this season we must do it via the million pound game. A trip to Batley next Sunday is salford's next match where it will be another tough test. As supporters we can only hope there is enough fight left for the final two weeks of a long testing season. A very disappointing day finished Salford 16 London 19. Paul Whiteside away day red

Salford 70 Featherstone 16

Salford returned to the AJ Bell Stadium for the first time in three weeks! It had been 8 years since the last fixture with Featherstone Rovers in the 2008 which finished 30-30 at Post Office Road! The Rovers were still without a point in the qualifiers after being edged out 11-10 at Batley last weekend! It was a perfect start for the visitors moving the ball superbly on the opening set of the match. Nice work from Anthony Thackery sending prop Jordan Baldwinson over for the opening try. Kyle Briggs adds the goal 0-6!

Misi Taulapapa spills the ball from the kick off to invite Salford pressure. The Red Devils take advantage as Weller Hauraki roars over Gareth O Brien kicks the goal to level the score 6-6. Rovers kick off is poor and Michael Dobson takes it out on the full to grab a penalty. The pressure tells again as Junior Sau claims a kick out wide to score in the corner. O Brien kicks a tough one 12-6.

Josh Jones is next to touch down showing real strength and desire to muscle his way over. O Brien misses the conversation 16-6. Salford are turning up the heat and Junior Sau. Quick hands out wide to Daniel Vidot who finishes well to get down low at the corner flag
. O Brien misses off the touch line but Salford are in control 20-6.

Rovers are feeling the pressure and knock on near there own line. Sau grabs his second try which o Brien converts 26-6. Featherstone finally get some field position and they make it
count with a nice short kick which Jack Ormondroyd dives on to score. Briggs adds the goal 26-12. Salford then score the try of the half with a lovely move, O Briens ball out the back to Evalds is sublime and he races away with a brilliant finish. O Brien kicks well 32-12. Rovers are struggling with the pace of the game and another thrilling break follows from Josh Griffin who runs 30 yards side ways, throws a basket ball pass to Ben Murdoch Masila, his hand off is to much for rovers half back Thackery and the big man is over. O Brien kicks the goal 38-12 with 5 first half minutes remaining. There's just enough time for the busy Logan Tomkins to scoot over from dummy half o Brien kicks again to send the rampant Red Devils in at half time 44-12.

It's a poor start to the second half with Salford knocking on first set of 6. More mistakes and a few soft penalties give Rovers a chance. Josh Walters gets the try Briggs can't convert 44-16. Salford then cut loose with three tries in 8 minutes. Olsi Krasniqi gets the first before Haurakis second and then Dobson scores! All goaled by O Brien. 62-16. Rovers never gave up and deserve credit for a spirited display! Salford add two more tries in the final ten minutes. Murdoch Masila and Jones finishing the day with a brace each. Both goals are missed.

It was a result that Salford desperately needed and can now go in to next weeks home game with London confident. There's still a lot of work to be done to ensure are super league survival but today was the first brick in the wall. Final score Salford 70 Featherstone Rovers 16, Paul Whiteside Away Day Red