Salford Red Devils v Huddesfield Giants Super 8 Qualifiers Big Match Preview

The Super 8 qualifiers start here, Salford Red Devils take on Huddesfield Giants in a huge game at the AJ Bell on Sunday. Read out big match preview here with all the info looking forward to the game.

There is battles to be won and lost all over the field here is the stand out battles on Sunday afternoon.

Battle 1

Rob Lui V Danny Brough

Rob Lui has been the main play maker for the Red Devils this season so far and can turn a game in an instant. The Super 8 qualifiers will be a high intensity game which will be a good game for Lui to dominate and see Salford though to a victory.

Danny Brough is huge for Huddesfield Giants. He dictates play for the Visitors and has the ability to made a difference in crutial high pressure moments. If the Red Devils can limit his actions in the game and keep him busy in defence then they have every chance of nullifying his effect on the game

Ben Murdock Masala has been a rock in the Salford Red Devils pack this season. A huge presence on the field both  in attack and defence his skill and the ability to put big hits may be a factor which gives Salford Red Devils the win on Sunday.

Ukua Taai is another big unit on the field, he has had a big season for Huddesfield giants and they will be looking for him to put in another big performance on Sunday.

There could be fireworks on the field between these two if the hits get big at the AJ bell on Sunday.

Craig Kopczak v Earl  Crabtree

2 ex teams mates come head to head for the 3rd time this season. Kopczak has been a stand out for the home side in 2016 and has really lead from the front. His no nonsense runs and defence had been the reason why the Devils have won the battle upfront in most home games this season..

Crabtree is a big powerful front rower and brings a whole new meaning to a Giant from Huddersfield. For me this seasons he hasn't been as good for the visitors then he has been in recent seasons and hasn't reached his potential and capabilities in 2016. Hopefully the Reds big pack with the likes of Masilla, Kopczak and Hauraki can all be a Jack the giant slayer at the AJ Bell on Sunday.

STATS

Previous games

Salford travelled to Huddesfield and won a thrilling game. A last minute Try by Nial Evalds for Salford secured the victory for the Red Devils. Highlights are below

The return fixure was also a tense encounter Huddesfield came up with the victory with a  drop goal by Danny Brough the difference between the teams. The highlights are below

Squads for the game on Sunday

A copy of the squad will appear here when they are announced and we can update the preview

https://soundcloud.com/devil-in-the-detail-srd/super-8-qualifiers-preview-bring-it-on

Our Podcast is available above tune into listen this weeks preview of the middle 8s and all your Salford Red Devils chat, news and general rugby league banter.

Super 8 Qualifiers - Featherstone Rovers

Featherstone Rovers.
Fourth in the championship.
Coach John Sharp,
Captain Tim Spears

. Signings for middle 8s, Jordan Baldwinson, Josh Walters and Luke Briscoe all from Leeds
.
Last 8 league meetings.
2008. Featherstone 30. Salford 30 2008.
Salford 42. Featherstone 12. 2003
. Salford 36. Featherstone 20. 2003.
Featherstone 18. Salford 16. 1996.
Salford 32. Featherstone 10. 1996.
Featherstone 29. Salford 10. 1996.
Salford 24. Featherstone 6. 1995.
Featherstone 16. Salford 38.

Past great players as chosen by massive featherstone supporter Andy Greenhough.

                                             ex Salford and Featherstone legend Steve Nash
Steve Nash 1971-75
Deryck Fox 1983-92
Carl Dooler 1960-69
Steve Quinn 1975-88
Don Fox 1953-65
Paul Newlove 1988-93
David Hobbs 1980-85
Brendan Tutta 1990-95 and 1999

.
Honours. Championship winners 1976/77
Challenge cup winners 1966/67, 1972/73, 1982/83
Yorkshire cup winners 1939/40, 1959/60.

Memorable match.
Championship Sunday 20th July 2008. Post office road.
Featherstone Rovers 30. Salford city reds 30.

A thrilling contest between the two sides, ex Salford forward Stuart Dickens had returned to featherstone after a season at Salford a few years earlier and had a great game. Post office road being a ground were we always seemed to struggle. We managed a win there that season in the national rail cup quarter final. The Reds lined up that day included Matt Gardner,Stuart littler,Karl Fitzpatrick,John wilshire,Robbie Paul, Luke Adamson,Malcolm alker,Craig Stapleton,Andy Ballard,Richie myler, Stephen bannister,Jordan turner,Adam sidlow, Paul Highton,Ian sibbit,Phillip leuluai and Stefan ratchford. Salford went on to top the table winning the grand final at Warrington beating Celtic and also the national rail cup beating Doncaster 60-0 at Blackpool. Featherstone went on to finish 8th that season.

                                             Qualifiers

Chances in the middle 8s. Featherstone will probably start as outsiders in the competition but are always tough to beat on there home ground. They may find it hard going away from home against super league opposition but I wouldn't write this proud club off from causing an upset on the way. There is plenty of top flight experience in John Sharps squad and I am quite sure they will be competitive. They have also bolstered there squad with three lads from Leeds ahead of the middle eights! From a Salford point of view we play them at home which is a good advantage

Super 8 Qualifiers - Huddesfield Giants

Salford Red Devils take on Huddesfield Giants in the 1st game of the middle 8s, Victory for Salford would be a huge confidence boost with other big games to come. Check out this blog in which we look at all the stats and facts for both sides.


Huddersfield Giants.
12th in the super league.
Coach Rick Stone,
captain Danny Brough
.
Last 8 league meetings.
2016. Salford 30 Huddersfield 31.
2016. Huddersfield 24 Salford 26.
2015. Salford 0 Huddersfield 19.
2015. Huddersfield 12 Salford 18.
2014. Huddersfield 10 Salford 36.
2014. Salford 22 Huddersfield 42.
2013. Huddersfield 46 Salford 4.
2013. Salford 21 Huddersfield 20.

Past great players.
Ken Loxton 1965-73
Paul Reilly 1996-2007
Danny Russell 1997-2000
Ken Senior 1962-1979
Mick Sullivan 1952-1957
Chris Thorman 2000-2002 and 2005-2008
Harold Wagstaff 1906-1925
Luke Robinson 2008-2015

Honours.
League champions, 1911/12,1912/13,1914/15,1928/29,1929/30,1948/49,1961/62
Challenge cup winners, 1912/13,1914/15,1919/20,1932/33,1944/45,1952/53.
League leaders shield 2013.

Video Highlights

Kevin Locke inspired Salford to a great win against Huddesfield in his debut for the Red Devils.

Check it out below.

Memorable match.
Super league 19th August 2011 the Willows.
Salford city Reds 24. Huddersfield Giants 18.
Tries, Danny Williams 3 Daniel Holdsworth
Goals, Holdsworth 4
Attendance 3,458.

Trailing 12-18 at half time Salford stormed back to take the points. This would be are final victory at the willows before leaving the old ground. Matt Parish was the coach that day but didn't stay long and was replaced by Phil Vievers in the close season. Salford's team that day was, Luke Patten, Jodie Broughton, Ashley Gibson, Sean Gleeson, Danny Williams, Stefan Ratchford, Daniel Holdsworth, Ray Cashmere, Matty Smith, Ryan Boyle, Mark Henry, Luke Adamson, Stephen Wild. Subs Wayne Godwin,Adam Neal, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Lee Jewitt.

                                                       QUALIFIER

Huddesfield over the last few seasons have enjoyed a very successful period, league shield winners in 2013 they are use to big games. This season  they have struggled both on and off the field and now they find themselves in the battle in the middle 8s

Huddesfield were not always a championship wining team and have been involved in relegation battles before, as a club this will help but Salford will be keen on putting in a good performance and beating the giants in this encounter.

https://soundcloud.com/devil-in-the-detail-srd/super-8-qualifiers-preview-bring-it-on

Check out this weeks podcast below for all your big match build up, news and Salford Red Devils chat

Super 8 Qualifier preview Hull KR

Hull Kingston Rovers,
11th in super league.
Coach James Webster,
captain Terry campese.

Last 8 league meetings.
2016. Salford 44 Hull KR 26
. 2016. Hull KR 44 Salford 30
. 2015. Salford 31 Hull KR 18.
2015. Hull KR 34 Salford 28.
2014. Hull KR 18 Salford 38
. 2014. Salford 16 Hull KR 16.
2013. Hull KR 28 Salford 18.
2013. Salford 38 Hull KR 34.

Past great players.
Steve Hubbard 1979-82
George Fairburn 1981-89
Clive Sullivan 1974-1981
Roger Millward 1966-1980
Phil Lowe 1967-1983
Gary Prohm 1982-1986
Paul Fletcher 1988-2005
Derek rocky Turner 1950-1955.

Major honours.
Challenge cup winners 1979/80
Championship winners 1922/23, 1924/25, 1978/79, 1983/84,1984/85.
John player trophy winners 1984/85.
BBC 2 floodlit trophy winners 1977/78
Yorkshire cup winners, 1920/21, 1929/30, 1966/67,1967/68,1971/72,1974/75,1985/86.

Memorable match. Challenge cup Friday February 28th 2003, craven park
Hull KR 2. Salford city reds 12. Tries, Hunte, littler. Goals clinch 2 Attendance 2553.
A proper old school cup tie on a bitterly cold Friday night. You couldn't tell the teams apart as the players were covered in mud on a bog of a pitch. Salford's defence was outstanding and we took are chances when they came through tries from Alan Hunte and Stuart Littler. This was a big win and played a massive part in the seasons success and getting promotion back to super league. We progressed to the quarter finals were we would face St. Helens at home!

                                                       Qualifers

Hull KR have had a season interrupted by a string of bad inuries to key players.

Will they be able to deal with the absence of their talisman Terry Campaise during this high pressure time of the season.

Of all the super league clubs involved in this middle 8 completion we feel they are the most in danger of relegation.

If Salford can keep their keep players fit and in form we should beat the Robins of Hull.

Super 8 Qualifiers preview - Leeds Rhinos

Leeds Rhinos,

9th in super league.

Coach Brian McDermott,

captain Danny McGuire

Recent signing, James Segeyaro.

James Segeyaro is Leeds Rhinos major signing for the middle 8 qualifiers.

The hooker is a Papa New Guinea international who previously played in the NRL with North Queensland Cowboys.

Deverstating around the ruck and a strong defender he will add steel and attacking prowess to Leeds Rhinos

Last 8 league meetings.

2016 Leeds 8 Salford 0.

2016 Salford 14 Leeds10.

2015 Leeds 70 Salford 6.

2015 Salford 18 Leeds 28.

2014 Salford 18 Leeds 22.

2014 Leeds 32 Salford 4.

2013 Salford 16 Leeds 42.

2013 Leeds 42 Salford 14.

Past great players.

Kevin sinfield 1997-2015

Garry Schofield 1987-1996

David ward 1971-1986

Iestyn Harris 1997-2001

John Atkinson 1966-1982

John Holmes 1968-1990

Syd Hynes 1965-75

Lewis Jones 1952-1964

.

Major honours Championship winners 60/61, 68/69 , 71/72, 2004, 2007, 2008,2009,2011,2012,2015 Challenge cup winners, 1909/10, 1922/23, 1931/32, 1935/36, 1940/41, 1941/42, 1956/57, 1967/68, 1976/77, 1977/78, 1999, 2014, 2015.

Memorable match Super league round 9 13th April 2009. Headingley stadium.

Leeds Rhinos 20 Salford city reds 30 Tries wilshire, Henry, myler, Paul, turner.

Attendance 14,381.

Are first win at headingley since 1977!

                                                    QUALIFIERS

Leeds Rhinos have had a very distruptive superleague campaign as flooding caused them to move out of their training base early in the season. Salford defeated the Rhinos at home early in the season and but were beaten at Headingley as the Rhinos found some form towards the end of the season.

The challenge for Salford is to play to their potential and if this happens Salford will come out winners in this contest

Super 8 Qualifiers preview - London Broncos

London Broncos,
2nd in the championship.
Coach Andrew Henderson,
captain Wes Naiqama

Recent signing, Jamie Soward.

Jamie Soward is a quality footballer who currently plays for the London  in the . A New South wales and  State of origin player he has vast experience having starred at , he previously played for the Sydney Roosters, Penrith Panthers and the St. George Illawarra Dragons, with whom he won the 2010 NRL Premiership.
London will be looking for him to inspire them during the middle 8 playoff series.

Last 8 league meetings.
2014. Salford 58 London 26
2014. London 18 Salford 44
2013. London 30 Salford 44
2013. Salford 4 London 38
2012. London 40 Salford 28
2012. Salford 44 London 12
2011. Salford 26 Harlequins 18
2011. Harlequins 16 Salford 34

Past great players.
Luke Dorn 2005/2006 -2009/2013
Richie Barnett 2001/2002
Tony Martin 1996-98 2001-2003
Martin Offiah1996-99
Rob Purdam 2002-2011
Terry Matterson 1995-98
Hussein M'Barki 1981-84.
1988-92
Greg Barwick 1996-97



Major honours Division 2 champions 1982/83

Memorable match. Challenge cup Sunday 27th February 2000 Kingsmeadow.
London Broncos 21. Salford city reds 22
Tries, Paul Highton,Martin Offiah, Nick Pinkney,Jason Weber
Goals, Paul Southern 2, Darren Brown 1
Attendance 1,577

                                                   The Qualifiers

London finished 2nd in the championship this season and will be a force in the Super 8 Qualifying playoffs. Looking at both squads Salford have enough quality to beat the Broncos.

Super 8 Qualifiers Preview - Leigh

Leigh Centurions, 1st in the championship.
Coach Neil Jukes
captain Micky Higham

Signings for middle 8- Danny tickle from Castleford.
Matty Dawson from St. Helens
Mitch Brown from Cronulla Sharks.

Leigh have invested heavily in another attempt to gain Super league status this season. With a squad full of super league experience and also a injection of talent especially for the middle 8 fixtures they will be a force this time round.


Last 8 league meetings. 2008. Salford 46 Leigh 12 2008.
Leigh 8 Salford 24
2005. Leigh 14 Salford 20
2005. Leigh 6 Salford 32
2003. Salford 46 Leigh 24
2003. Leigh 12 Salford 32


Past great players of Leigh. John Woods 1976-85
David Eckersley 1969-72
Des Drummond
Neil Turley 2000-2006
Colin Tyrer 1962-67
Steve Donlan 1980-85
Kevin Ashcroft
Alex Murphy 1966-71

Major honours
Challenge cup winners 1920/21 and 1970/71
Championship winners 1905/06 and 1981/82
Lancashire cup winners 1952/53, 1955/56, 1970/71,
1981/82 BBC2 floodlit trophy 1969/70 and 1972/73

Memorable match 2003 national league one grand final 5th October Halton stadium Widnes
Salford City Reds 31 Leigh Centurions 14
Tries Hunte2 Beverly and Littler
Goals Charles 6 blakeley 1 Drop goal blakeley
Attendance 9,186.

The National League Grandfinal in 2003 was a epic contest, Salford and Leigh had locked horns thoughout the season and both teams appeared in the final, With Salford staying training full time financially it was important Salford got back to Super league at the 1st time of asking.
Two Alan Hunte tries set the tone for Salford and a brilliant try by Cliff Beverley gave Salford breathing space, Leigh rallied but Stuart Littler scored the crutial try with time running out after a mistake by Leeroy Rivett to send Salford back to Superleague.

                                                         QUALIFIERS

Leigh have been run away winners of the championship this season and with the experience of being in the middle 8s last year they will be a difficult team to beat. After defeating Salford in the challenge cup last year they will be looking for a repeat performance.
Leigh have recruited ex Salford players Harrison Hanson, Corey Patterson and Reni Maitau to help close the gap  but with Salford having better quality of squad this season and we are confident if Salford play to their potential this will mean a Salford win.