BIG match preview Salford V Widnes

Salford Red Devils vs Widnes Vikings

Super League Qualifiers - Saturday 18th August – AJ Bell Stadium KO 3:15PM

 

The Red Devils will be looking to make it two wins from two from the Qualifiers as they meet the Widnes Vikings this weekend at the AJ Bell.

Salford got off to winning ways in the first qualifier of the season as Ian Watson’s men demonstrated exceptional professionalism in overcoming an in-form Hull KR side, 28 points to 10 away from home. One of the highlights being Robert Lui running in a 90-metre intercepted try.

All eyes now turn to Saturday’s key game against the Vikings who will bring a battle scarred side to the AJ Bell after having lost 17 super league and qualifying games on the run.

Their last victory? A 24-16 home win against The Red Devils way back in March. A fixture no doubt that will have featured highly in the talk amongst the coaches and team in the run up to the game at the weekend.

It’s critical therefore that the team continue their good recent performances against the Vikings and that the halves continue to show they are cultivating an understanding between each other.

Here are some critical match ups where the game could be won and lost:

 

Prop: Greg Burke v Chris Huston

Signed in June this year from Widnes, Greg Burke will be desperate to get on the pitch to face his former employees. Last time Salford faced Widnes, he scored a debut try under the posts with the teams tied at 12-12. A score that turned out to be a match winner. If he’s fit enough after a short spell on the side-lines, Ian Watson will be sure to play the 25-Year-old Prop. He will just need to ensure his emotions don’t get the better of him.

Aussie forward Chris Huston has played in all areas in the Widnes pack and is expected to be in the Prop position. Always a tough tackler, his career has included NRL appearances for The North Queensland Cowboys and The Newcastle Knights. The latter he stayed with for four years and during the 2012 season averaged over 41 tackles per game, the best in the NRL that year.

Expect fireworks as always in the props match up.

 

Hooker: Joey Lussick vs Aaron Heremaia

In his first appearance for the Red Devils last week, Joey Lussick scored a typical hooker’s scooting try and was involved in one of Salford’s most complete away performances of the season. His link up with the halves was particularly impressive seeing as he has only been with the club a few short weeks and it could be this link up and previous knowledge and understanding between himself and Hastings at school-boy, Roosters and Manly back in Australia, that may well be the edge that Salford need this season. If he can repeat this performance and grow his relationship with the halves even further, it will likely mean a spot in Super League beckons for the Red Devils in 2019.

Aaron Heremaia

Another Australasian import this time from Auckland, New Zealand, Heremaia could be set to make his 100th appearance for the Widnes Vikings this weekend. He will therefore want to ensure that his side will come away with a win to rubber stamp this occasion. The last time his side won a super league match – it was against The Red Devils – he featured heavily and scored a late try to ensure their victory. It’s up to Salford to ensure lightning doesn’t strike twice this season.  

 

Loose Forward: Mark Flanagan vs Weller Hauraki

Mark Flanagan has once again been the glue holding the team together this season. His consistency of performances and level of professionalism are second to none and the run of poor form leading up the qualifiers would have hurt him more than most other players. His awareness of space is something that the Salford halves will be able to utilise to their advantage in broken play. As well as being the 3rd pivot or dummy runner to allow passes further out wide in set plays. What’s key is that he stays fit for the rest of this season to ensure there is a calm head on the field during moments of pressure in this run of games.

After his loan move in June from Salford to Widnes in a swap deal with Greg Burke and Ed Chamberlain, Weller Hauraki has been solid in a losing team, making 8 appearances so far for the Vikings. Ian Watson will know his strengths and weaknesses and will hope to exploit them. Culpable occasionally of dropping the ball and an over-ambitious offload, the Red Devils will want to get up quickly on him to try and disrupt his game.

Halves: Jackson Hastings vs Liam Finn

Since his arrival last month, Jackson Hastings is already a firm fan’s favourite. After a storming 20-minute cameo in the home victory at Leeds, he cemented his place at the heart of the team with a dominant display of kicking and creativity against Hull KR. Not only that, but he also stepped up and showed his kicking prowess by scoring goals in the second half. His willingness to be the main man has allowed Rob Lui to relax and therefore flourish in a backline that looks as threatening as it did last season. Should he remain fit, the Red Devils should be confident of securing their place in Super league for 2019.

Liam Finn signed only a few weeks ago for the Widnes Vikings from Wakfield Trinity after helping them yet again into the Super 8’s competition. He had 79 appearances since 2016 and will be a good loan signing for the rest of the campaign. It will be critical that Salford starve Finn of any possession high up the field as his kicks and passing can be destructive in the right areas. If he can strike up a partnership with his three-quarter team mates quickly, it will go a long way to deciding where the Vikings may finish in the Qualifiers.

With the squad in place that the Red Devils have now and the options open to Ian Watson, coupled with Widnes’s defensive and mental frailties should they go behind, Salford fans must be confident of a good performance and most importantly another 2 points on the road to Super League in 2018.

C’mon Salford!

Salford Red Devil’s v Widnes big match preview

After last weeks opening game defeat at home to London Broncos the pressure is mounting on Widnes. Winning can become a habit, on the other hand so can losing. The Vikings have not managed a win in Super League since there victory over Salford on the 22nd March. There poor run of results cost long serving coach Dennis Betts his job with Francis Cummins taking over as head coach. With 6 games remaining in the qualifiers 4 of those will be away from home with trips to France and Canada against Toulouse and Toronto respectively. It’s a daunting task for Widnes but they have strengthened there playing squad in recent weeks with Veteran playmaker Liam Finn arriving from Wakefield and former Salford forward Harrison Hansen joining from Leigh.

Salford have put in two excellent performances recently with a home victory over Leeds to round the regular season off and backing up last week away at Hull Kingston Rovers. Many pundits had predicted a Robins victory but Salford put in an outstanding display leaving Tim Sheens and his team shell shocked. Rovers travel to Toronto this weekend for a tough test against The Wolfpack who’ve only lost once this season on Canadian soil.

Super League home record

Salford 7

Draws 0

Widnes 3

Here are a few memorable matches from down the years

2nd March 1969, Challenge cup quarter final, Salford 20 Widnes 7

6th November 1973 Captain Morgan trophy, Salford 32 Widnes 9

14th October 1979 League, Salford 16 Widnes 16

2nd October 1988 League, Salford 15 Widnes 12

22nd February 2004 League Salford 24 Widnes 12

12th September 2014 League Salford 36 Widnes 6

They played for both.

There are quite a lot to be honest so I’ve selected a few from years gone by and some from not so long ago.

Richie Barnett, keith Bentley, Eric Prescott, Craig Coleman, Jason Critchley, John Duffy, Cliff Eccles, Ensene Famailo, Joe Famailo, Matt Gardner, Aaron Moule, Adrian Hadley, Karl Hammond, Tim Hartley, Gareth Hock, Rangi Chase, David Hulme, Craig Makin, Stephen Myler, Richie Myler, Stephen Nash, Gareth O Brien, Terry O Connor, Kieran O Loughlin, Lokeni Savelio, Trevor Stockley, Kevin Tamati, David Myers, Steve Tyrer and Phil Waring.

Saturday’s match.

After recent results Ian Watson’s side will be brimming with confidence. The way in which Hull kr were dismantled last week showed this Salford side has got plenty to offer in the qualifiers. Some great attacking rugby recently has been dove tailed with a solid defence.

Only a fool would take The Vikings lightly. They showed some good glimpses last week and with Joe Mellor and Liam Finn pulling the strings at half back if they click Widnes can be a handful. The visitors boast some very talented youngsters in there ranks including fullback Oliver Ashall-Bott, Matt Whitley, Danny Walker and the Chapelhow brothers Ted and Jay.

Jackson Hastings has given Salford a massive boost, the Australian has certainly taken the pressure off Robert Lui. Hastings and Lui have linked up well so far and there kicking game last weekend was absolutely superb. Niall Evalds returning from injury has been another real positive for Ian Watson. Evalds has looked so sharp and dangerous. Safe under the high ball and a fabulous attacking threat. Ed Chamberlain who made the switch from Widnes to Salford not so long ago really has settled in well. His explosive pace and clever support play makes you ponder why the Vikings allowed him to leave. Weller Hauraki moved in the opposite direction after almost four years at Salford and is likely to feature on Saturday.

Victory for Salford won’t guarantee Super League status for 2019, on the other hand though it will be a perfect start with momentum building.

The action gets under way at 3:15pm.

Enjoy the match and safe travels.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 📸

Salford City FC 2 FC Halifax Town 1 Match Report

Captain for the night Adam Rooney scores a brace to give Salford City FC there first three points of the season. 

 

Salford are now moving in the right direction climbing from 21st to 14th in 3 days and are now 6 points from top spot. 

Halifax Towns Sam Johnson pulled of an excellent save to deny striker Adam Rooney from close range but seconds later Rooney  grab his first goal of the night with a glancing heading from a pin point cross from Salford’s Number 7 Nick Haughton. 

Halifax who were unbeaten going into game came close to getting an equaliser in the first half. However Salford Goalkeeper Chris Neal made a rushing save after Town made a break down the middle. Neal later made a world class save just before half time. 

The Shaymen then got there goal in the 73rd coming from a low driven cross which winger and nearly Salford signing Matty Kosylo tape in from close range. 

“What a waste of money” sing Halifax fans after Adam Rooney loses the ball in the final third. Minutes later a cross from Salford left hand side drops to stand in captain to put Salford in the lead and secure the 3 points whilst also ending Halifax’s unbeaten start. 

Salford:

1.Neal, 2.Wiseman, 23. Pond, 6. Piergianni 3.Touray, 18.Whitehead, 8.Maynard, 7. Haughton, 10.Lloyd, 9. Rooney(C), 30. Gaffney

Substitutes: 12. Crocombe (GK) 4.Mafuta, 5.Hogan, 11.Walker, 21.Rodney.

Pictures from @salfordcityfc

Salford City Fc v FC Halifax Town Match Preview

Salford’s Rough Start 

Salford City FC take on high flyers FC Halifax Town at Moor Lane on Tuesday. Here is Joe Burns with his preview looking forward to the game 

After some ambitious pre season signings such as Adam Rooney, Danny Lloyd and Danny Whitehead. Salford City have gained one point from three games and currently sit 21st in the national League the only way is up for Salford and the 92. 

The first three games have shown that the pre season signings haven’t strengthen in the right areas with the flanks being a position that is a cause for concern. 

With Danny Lloyd and Tom Walker being the only out and out wingers within the club currently it’s hard to see where the club can strengthen when Tom Walker is now our second choice Left Back after Josh Askew has signed for Stockport on a month loan. 

The wingers is a focus due to our 60/70 minutes subs when they are tiring we don’t have any replacements from them and have to either change position or have players playing out of position and we become flat and have conceded 3 out of 5 goals after that. 

Halifax Town 14.08.18 

After losing to Halifax in May 2017 this will be our first meeting since that Sunny day in Halifax. 

Halifax have had a winning start to this season with three wins from three scoring seven and conceding  zero with new signing from Hull City Jonathan Edwards getting on the score sheet. 

With Salford struggling defensively it will be another hard game however if they can keep shape whilst defending and attacking with the pace and passing ability the midfield have they are more then capable of picking up some well needed points.

Kickoff is at 7:45pm 

Adults £10

Concession £5

Under 5s Free

Pictures from @salfordcityfc twitter 

Hull KR v Salford MATCH REPORT

SALFORD ROCK ROBINS WITH RUTHLESS DISPLAY 

Just 33 days had passed since the two sides had last met at Craven park but the out come was a complete opposite.

Both sides were coming into the match high on confidence after good results in there last games.

It was a cagey start with neither side wanting to show there hand. Ed Chamberlain missed an early penalty kick for Salford. 

Mistakes were a plenty as the game struggled to flow, the first points came from a 17th minute penalty goal from the boot of Chamberlain.

Neat work from Robert Lui and Mark Flanagan sent Niall Evalds racing away to score the games opening try. Rovers first real chance came from forward James Donaldson who stretched out to score but good cover defence from Salford just forced the knock on. 5 minutes later a measured kick from Danny McGuire found Craig Hall who touched down. Danny Tickle shanked what looked like a fairly straight forward conversion to leave Salford 4-6 in front.

Poor discipline and soft penalties hampered Salford's first half progress but what ever coach Ian Watson said at half time definitely sunk in with Salford playing a near perfect second half!

Jackson Hastings kicked a penalty to extend the lead to 4-8 before Lui intercepted and raced 70 yards to score under the posts! Salford's traveling away supporters were ecstatic. Hastings added the conversion to extend the lead to 4-14.

The Red Devils kicking game was superb. It was a night now for wet weather football and Watson's game plan was bearing fruit! 

Hastings with another teasing kick towards the in goal area on the greasy surface caused panic in the Rovers defence forcing a knock on. From the scrum Salford went for the jugular. Debutant Joey Lussick's hard work was rewarded as he scored from close range to put the match beyond the home side.

When Niall Evalds was tackled without the ball chasing yet another wonderful Salford kick Hastings played safe taking the two points on offer from the penalty 4-22.

Shaun Lunt grabbed a try 7 minutes from time but the last word went to Salford with Josh Wood wrong footing a tired Rovers defence. Ed Chamberlain's goal rounded off a fantastic, clinical display. 

On a night we're the Salford supporters lay a lot of expectations on Jackson Hastings, Robert Lui nipped under Hull Kr's radar to steal the show!

Salford now face Widnes next Saturday at The AJ Bell Stadium.  Hull Kr 10 Salford 28

Paul whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 📸

middle 8s preview

Salford’s 11th place finish after the regular 23 round season means a tough 7 match campaign in The Qualifiers. In this preview we will have a look at the opposition the Red Devil’s will face along with some stats, history and a little bit of nostalgia thrown in.
Leeds, Hull kr, Salford,Widnes, Toronto, London, Toulouse and Halifax are the eight teams involved.
The top three after they’ve all played there respective 7 games will be back in Super League next season. 4th place will meet 5th place in the Million pound game. 4th place having home advantage. Leaving 6th 7th and 8th playing championship rugby in 2019.
It all sounds a bit ruthless and any Salford supporter who was at Craven Park on the 1st October 2016 will remember that match forever.


Hull Kingston Rovers
Head coach Tim Sheens
Rovers have been busy in recruitment recently with Joel Tomkins, Todd Carney, Ben Crooks and Craig Hall all moving to East Hull. There current form in Super League has been good with 5 wins and a draw in there last 9 regular season fixtures.
Players to watch out for will include young half back Chris Atkin, Craig Hall, full back Adam Quinlan and the evergreen Maurice Blair.
In the two meetings this season Salford beat Rovers 36-12 at the AJ Bell Stadium. The meeting at Craven Park a few weeks ago the Robins won convincingly 52-22.
Hull Kingston Rovers major honours include the 1980 Challenge cup.
They’ve also won the top flight league championship on five occasions




Leeds Rhinos
Head coach James Lowes
Director of rugby Kevin Sinfield
After being crowned Super League Champions in 2017 with a surprise victory over Castleford in the Grand Final 2018 hasn’t quite gone to plan. Losing Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire left a hole in the half back position and that seems to be the area they have struggled to fill and find any sort of rhythm.
Despite there poor season there are plenty of players to look out for in particular young stars Jack Walker, Ashton Goulding and Liam Sutcliffe. There is also plenty of experience in there squad and I wouldn’t be surprised if the bookmakers had them favourites to come top of the qualifiers table. On the other hand the way 12 man Salford exposed them a few weeks ago shows there are week spots that can be exploited.
Salford’s all round record home and away against Leeds is pretty dreadful. In the qualifiers the match will be played at Headingly. A solitary win for the Red Devils in 2009 is our only success there in the Super League era. Our previous victory there before that came in February 1977. If you want the last victory before that it was 1959! So three wins there in almost 60 years it’s fair to say it’s been quite a grave yard for Salford over the years. Records are always there to be broken though!
Leeds have been one of the most successful clubs of the summer era there honours include Super league Titles in 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2017.
World Club Champions 2005, 2008, 2012.
Challenge cup winners 1910, 1923, 1932, 1936, 1941, 1942, 1957, 1968, 1977, 1999, 2014 and 2015.


Widnes Vikings

Head coach Francis Cummins
2018 has been a real struggle for the Vikings and there supports. Long serving coach Dennis Betts was replaced by Francis Cummins but even this change hasn’t really seen an upturn in form. With just 3 wins from 23 matches in the regular season Widnes have lost 16 games on the spin. There last league victory came on the 22nd March when they beat Salford.
In the qualifiers the two sides will meet at the AJ Bell Stadium. Salford have had the upper hand in recent times with victories in the last five league meetings. Widnes’s last win at Salford came in a 2014 Challenge cup tie 20-30.
Widnes have secured plenty of major honours in years gone by.
Challenge cup winners on 7 occasions 1930, 1937, 1964, 1975, 1979, 1981 and 1984.
Top flight league champions in 77/78, 87/88 and 88/89.
Widnes were also crowned World Champions in 1989 after a memorable win over Canberra Raiders at Old Trafford.
Much like Salford it’s been a bit of a famine for the past few decades though.
Francis Cummins has strengthened his side ahead of The Qualifiers with the signing of Harrison Hansen from Leigh and Liam Finn from Wakefield.
They also have a good crop of youngsters in there side and it would be foolish to take them lightly.


Toronto Wolf Pack
Head coach Paul Rowley
After promotion from League one in 2017 Paul Rowley‘ Wolfpack have enjoyed another successful 2018 so far. Topping the Championship table after 23 rounds with just two defeats and a draw. Featherstone Rovers became the first side to beat Toronto on Canadian soil in round 23.
Salford have met Toronto just once. A challenge cup tie in 2017 at the AJ Bell Stadium. It was a bad tempered affair with Salford’s Justin Carney shown the red card in the first half. Ian Watson’s side showed plenty of heart with 12 men to come out 29-22 winners.
The Wolfpack are expected to go well in The qualifiers but the Super League opposition they face will be a big step up from the championship. They boast quite a few ex Salford players in there squad. Gareth O Brien made a high profile move earlier this season. Jake Emmitt, Olsi Krasniqi, Andrew Dixon and Adam Sidlow have all made appearances for the Red Devils.
Players to look out for will include half backs Ryan Brierley and Josh Mcrone. Liam Kay is a very quick winger who can finish well. There pack is also very aggressive. The Wolfpack have been criticised in the past for there near to the knuckle approach but in the grand scheme of things I think this will add to the excitement of the Qualifiers.


London Broncos
Head coach Danny Ward.
After a final regular season match at Barrow, The Broncos leap frogged Toulouse in to second place denying Salford supporters a trip to the south of France. Salford will now visit London’s Trailfinders Stadium in The qualifiers.
6-72 London won at Barrow, there the highest scoring team in the Championship with 907 points in there 23 games. Could they be the surprise package? Danny Ward has moulded a very competitive side with plenty of pace in the backs. Any side with Jarrod Sammut is going to be great to watch. The 31 year old Australian has a sensational try scoring ratio for The Broncos and when he’s on form he can be an absolute rugby league genius.
The last time Salford met London was in the Qualifiers of 2016. The Broncos pulled off a surprise 16-19 victory. Since there relegation from Super League at the end of 2014 London have challenged well in the Championship and will be tough to beat especially on there on ground.
London Broncos are yet to win a major Rugby League honour but they were Super League Runners up in 1997 and Challenge Cup runners up at Wembley in 1999. Under there previous name Fulham they won the 2nd Division title in 1982/83 season.

Toulouse Olympique
Head coach Sylvain Houles
Toulouse went unbeaten during the League 1 2016 season but lost in the Promotion Final to Rochdale Hornets. They entered the play-offs as a result and were successful, beating Barrow Raiders to win promotion to the Championship. Another solid season in 2017 saw them lift the Championship shield. 2018 has again been successful, London Broncos just pipping them on the final day of the regular season to gain 2nd place leaving the Frenchmen in 3rd on points difference.
They’ve got some exciting players in there squad including Jonathan Ford and William Barthau. There’s plenty of experience in there pack as well with Con Mika, Sam Rapira and Eddy Pettybourne.
Salford’s last meeting with Toulouse came at The Willows in 2003. A Challenge cup tie which Salford won 26-10.
What can we expect from the French side in the Qualifiers? There a very good home side so from a Salford point of view I am sure Ian Watson will be pleased to have them as a home game. After finishing third Toulouse will now face the prospect of four away games.


Halifax

Head coach Richard Marshall
Halifax have had another really consistent season in the championship. Young coach Richard Marshall has worked wonders on a low budget and boasts some really exciting young talent in his side. Former Halifax and Salford legend Colin Dixon’s grandson Chester Butler is making a real name for himself and will definitely be a player to watch. The vastly experienced Scott Murrell teams up in the halves with Ben Johnston and Fax are not short of pace with speedsters Kieran Moss, Will Sharp and Ben Heaton. Former Salford player Steve Tryer has become a real points machine in West Yorkshire and his now in his 6th season at Halifax.
Salford last met Halifax in a competitive fixture back in 2015 in the qualifiers. The Red Devils won away in a highly entertaining match 28-50. Niall Evalds grabbed a hat trick. Salford beat Halifax home and away in the 2008 Championship season.
Halifax were relegated from Rugby League’s top flight at the end of the 2003 season. The club have a long and proud history leaving there historical home at Thrum Hall at the end of 1997. Since then they have shared The Shay with football team Halifax Town.
The clubs major honours are Challenge cup winners 1903, 1904, 1931, 1939 and 1987. There 1939 success saw a 20-3 victory over Salford at Wembley.
Halifax’s last League title came in 1986.
Going in to the qualifiers Fax have nothing to lose being the lowest ranked side.
As well as welcoming Salford to the Shay they will also meet Leeds in a big Yorkshire derby clash.
Writing this as a Salford supporter I do wish Halifax all the best in the qualifiers. Not only for the Colin Dixon connection but they a traditional club in a real heart land of our sport.


With so much riding on these seven matches it promises to be a very exciting few months watching all the sides involved. Safe travels and enjoy the games.

Paul Whiteside.

Hull Kr V Salford big match preview

Salford travel to East Hull on Friday night to face Hull Kingston Rovers in the opening round of the Qualifiers. Seven matches remain to preserve Super League status for 2018. The Robins along with Leeds are the bookmakers favourites to battle it out for top spot. Salford will face both these two sides away from home. It’s a tough start for a The Red Devils but after a thrilling victory over Leeds last time out confidence around the squad seems to be renewed.

Jackson Hastings seems to have brought a buzz back to a team that was really struggling a few weeks ago. Ian Watson was desperate for players with injuries taking there toll on his small squad. Ed Chamberlain and Greg Burke arrived from Widnes, Jackson Hastings and Joey Lussick from Australia. Add to that young forward Jansin Turgut from Hull Fc and a host of injured players returning to the fold Salford will be looking to pull off a big win this Friday.

Hull Kr are a team brimming with confidence at the moment after a superb run of results towards the end of the regular season. A stirring derby win away at City Rivals Hull last time out has given Tim Sheens’s men the belief they can top the Qualifiers table.

Like Salford The Robins have drafted in new blood with Joel Tomkins joining from Wigan, Ben Crooks and Craig Hall arriving from Leigh. Former Salford player Todd Carney has also moved to East Hull. Points machine Craig Hall has represented both Hull clubs and made his second Robins debut in the derby fixture a fortnight ago. Scoring two superb tries in that game Hall is definitely a player Salford need to keep an eye on.

Hull Kingston Rovers like Salford have a rich history in Rugby League. The Robins were one of the most feared teams in the country back in the late 1970s/early 80s. Regular cup final appearances followed and a great battles with City rivals Hull. This came to a head at Wembley in 1980 when the two sides contested The Challenge Cup Final. In front of 95,000 spectators Rovers claimed a 10-5 victory, Brian Lockwood lifting the Lance Todd Trophy.

Here are a few big games from the past between the two sides down the years

24th April 1970 Hull kr 27 Salford 16 Championship playoff

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

7th December 1974 Hull kr 25 Salford 17 John player 3rd round

15th March 1981 Hull kr 18 Salford 9 Challenge Cup 3rd round

28th February 2003 Hull kr 2 Salford 12 Challenge Cup

1st October 2016 Hull kr 18 Salford 19 Million pound game

They played for both.

Here are a selection of players to have represented The Robins and The Red Devils,

Greg Austin, 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.

Friday’s match.

With The Qualifiers being a short competition of seven matches a good start is vital.

Victory for Salford on Friday won’t guarantee Super League status next year but it would be a massive statement to make going forward.

It’s been two weeks since The Red Devils last match and that win against the odds over Leeds. This have given Ian Watson the chance to bed his new signings in and freshen the squad up with players returning from injury. Watson’s attention to detail on the training ground is quite remarkable. The former half back is a student of the game who likes to cover all angles. In what has been a testing season for Salford Ian’s hard work, passion and commitment is there for all to see.

It promises to be a fascinating match under the lights on Friday night and one definitely not to be missed. The action gets under way at 8pm, safe travels and enjoy the match, Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick