Salford v Hull KR big match preview

 Salford Red Devils take on Hull Kingston Rovers in the challenge cup at the AJ Bell on Friday, Paul Parkin looks forward to the game in his big match preview

Battles

 

Battle 1 – Shaun Lunt v Logan Tomkins

Whoever is on the field at any time in the hooking role for the Red Devils is sure to have a hard challenge against Shaun Lunt. Whitehave born Lunt is both experienced, having made over 270 first grade appearances and featuring in no less than 3 challenge cup finals! A skilled and very dangerous dummy half is well capable of causing Salford huge problems with pacey burst of speed and a key eye for the try line. 

Fortunately for the Reds we are blessed with 2 very good hookers in both Logan Tomkins who is having an exception spell with his very high work rate and the ever-impressive Kris Brining who has already wowed Salford fans with his speed at the play-the-ball and eye for the try line.

 Battle 2 – Maurice Blair v Rob Lui

 

These two guys could hold the key to either team emerging triumphant from the game. Blair another hugely experienced player brought over from Australia in 2014 predominantly as a second rower but his versatility has meant that Rovers have been able to now use him at stand off. A big man for the role who’ll take some stopping but has very good hands to move the ball and Hull KR around the park, a real leader. 

Rob Lui has, at times this season, been unplayable, his stepping, weaving runs and clever creative play has been pivotal in the Red Devils march up the Super League this season.

 
  Battle 3 – Ben Cockayne v Gareth Obrien/ Niall Evalds

Yet again experience is the key and there can be many more experienced in the Rovers line-up than full back Ben Cockayne. A formidable opponent who always causes problems for opposing sides. In his second spell with the Robins he’ll surely be one of the key components to their swift return to Super League.

For the Reds, well a real dilemma for coach Ian Watson as to who gets the full back slot. Evalds bang in form following 2 stunning performances against Widnes and Wigan scoring 3 tries in the process. However how on earth do you leave out “The Saviour” a man who is synonymous with this fixture, his goal kicking (and drop goals of course) alone can with a game but in general play there can be very few better running around at the minute.

 

 
Previous encounters 

Previous Challenge Cup meetings (This century)

Fri 28th Feb 03

Hull KR 2 Salford 12

 

 

Last time we met

22nd July 2016

Hull KR 18 Salford 19

Salford were victorious in the million pound game against Hull KR. A Gaz O'Brien drop goal in extra time was enough to secure Salfords place in Super League for 2017 and condemning Rovers to Relegation.

 

Trading places?

Here’s a few players who have donned the colours of both sides.

Michael Dobson

Kris Welham

George Griffin

Iain Thornley

David Hodgson

Darrell Goulding

Chris Charles

Nick Pinkney

Greg Austin

Jack Feetham

 
Squads

 
 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat, Paul Parkin joins the boys to talk through all the big stories of the week. Lami Tasi and Adam Walne look back at the big win v Wigan. Ian Watson in in coaches corner, Paul Whiteside previews our local amateur clubs fixtures and results as we look forward to the cup game on Friday against Hull KR.

super league review

Its been another exciting week of super league action, Read all about it here

 
Huddesfield Giants 21 Castleford 26

Castleford Tigers continued their good form with a win against Huddesfield Giants.
It was  a pulsaiting encounter with both sides Joel Monahan opened the scoring from the Tigers but Huddesfield hit back with 2 tries from Jake Mamo gave them  the lead at half time.

Ex Red Greg Eden swung the game the Tigers way with a try and despite a hatrick score for Mamo Castleford hung on for another big win
 

Warrington 40 St Helens 18

Warrington now recovered from their early season woes with another top display beating St Helens.
Saints took the lead in the game through early tries from Adam Swift and Ryan Morgan and built a 14-0 lead.

Warrington found some form and belief and this helped Benjamin Jullien and Mike Cooper cross for the hosts before half-time, a Harvey Livett's try put them in front after the break as Saints struggled to slow the Warrington juggernaut.

Two tries for Ryan Atkins was the highlight as the Wolves are now showing their teeth in Super League.
 
Wigan  16 Salford Red Devils 31

Salford secured a away win at the home of the champions Wigan Warriors for the 1st time in 20 years.  After a week of rumour and hearsay it was just what the fans and players of Salford Red Devils needed.

Salford were in total control throughout and lead at half time with  tries from Niall Evalds, Kris Welham and Ben Murdoch-Masila.
Wigan mounted a comeback in the 2nd half with Tom Davies, Ryan Sutton and Lewis Tierney going over for Wigan but a Gaz Obrien penality and drop goal gave Salford Red Devils fans a night to remember.
 
Leigh 26 Wakefield 40

Wakefield beat a strong leigh side to move into 6th place in the Super League.
The visitors raced into a 20-0 lead with tries from Jacob Miller, Danny Kirmond and Reece Lyne and despite Leigh finding a bit of form and mounting a mini come back Wakefield Trinity were head and shoulders better than the Centurions.

Ex Red Mason Caton Brown got over the line for Trinity who are looking in good form approaching the business end of the season
 
Catalan 24 Leeds 30

Leeds beat Catalan in the south of France to keep their good form going.

Catalan gave the Rhinos a real test and lead at the break with tries from Louis Anderson, Julian Bousquet and Brayden Wiliame.
In a see saw battle Leeds got back in the game with tries from Adam Cuthbertson and Rob Burrow and after a penality for Catalan by Ex Red Richie Myler the Rhinos had to rely on Danny McGuire scoring with 3 minutes to go to nick the points

Widnes 22 Hull 33

 

Hull FC produced a stunning comeback win against Widnes.

Widnes looked good for a win when tries from Chris Houston, Rhys Hanbury and two from Patrick Ah Van opened up a lead.

Two Tries by Jamie Shaul was part of a 5 Try blitz by Hull in the 2nd half which eventually sunk the Vikings.

 
Samoa 10  England 30

England recorded a comfortable 30-10 win over Samoa in their final warm-up match before the Rugby League World Cup, Ex Red Stef Rachford was on the score sheet which help England build a 0-14 lead at half time.


Tries from Joey Leilua and Anthony Milford in the 2nd half for Samoa give England something to think about but England saw the game out and secured the win with tries from James Graham and Jermaine McGillvary

Your listeing to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast for all your Salford Red Devils. We are joined by David Cambell (@willowsroad) to talk about his new idea of promoting Salford and getting fans involved in, Super leagues Tanya Arnold joins us to talk about salfords season so far we cover all the big stories including Justin Carney and the potential Manchester name change, Dobbo, Bibby and Johnson talk to us about the Widnes win as we preview the game v Wigan on Friday

Wigan Warriors 16 Salford 31 Match Report

 

It's a big win for Salford Red Devil's after a stressful week for the fans read all about it here with Paul Whiteside.

Salford arrived at the DW stadium full of confidence after last weeks win against Widnes. This has been a tough ground for the Red Devil's over the years having not yet registered a win there. Salford's last win at Wigan coming in August 1997. 

Salford were without Lee Mossop, Junior Sau, George Griffin, Mark Flanagan and Todd Carney who were all missing so young guns Daniel Murray, Ryan Lannon and Jake Bibby got another chance after last weeks heroics!

 The Salford supporters were situated in the North stand with lots of flags on show after what can only be described as an uncertain and emotional week following the club we all love. 

The Red Devil's started well, fired up for this one with some lovely flowing rugby. Kris Welham scored a early try in the corner. 4-0 Micheal Dobson missed the kick. 

Wigan looked to hit back immediately when Sam Powell grubber kick through but Liam Farrell spilt the ball with the line begging. 

The Salford defence was looking really solid and the pack was on top of the Warriors. Adam Walne was again coming up with some great runs. Olsi Krasniqi played at loose forward working his socks off all game.

 

With 22 minutes gone Niall Evalds spotted a gap to race over for a try. Dobson converted to extend the lead to 0-10.

Kris Welham again having an excellent game in both attack and defence forced a Wigan drop out. 

Then Big Ben struck again for Salford, Murdoch Masila went crashing through for a huge try. Dobson converted and it was  0-16. 

Niall Evalds again was filling in at full back came up with two try saving tackles in quick succession to cap a tremendous first half display. As the half time hooter sounded Micheal Dobson races away after pouching a Wigan kick. 

 

Wigan start the second half with an error deep in there own half. Kris Brining went close but it was a last tackle play that got Salford the points. Niall Evalds raced on to a pin point kick into the in goal area to score right in front of the huge away following. Dobson's goal made it 0-22.

The Red Devil's were full of running and everyone wanted the ball, you can see the confidence and desire flowing through the team.

 Good fast hands pushed the ball out wide in a blink of an eye to Greg Johnson who finishes superbly. Sensational attacking play from Salford to which Wigan have no answer. Dobson kicks off the touch line to a huge roar and Salford lead 0-28.

 

 

Wigan start to put pressure on Salford and when Robert Lui kicks out on the full the Warriors took advantage. On the next play they were over in the corner through Tom Davies. The Kick was missed but Salford still lead 4-28. 

It's started a bit of a purple patch for Wigan and two more try's first Ryan Sutton who made it 10-28. Then back to back penalties and some courageous Salford defence couldn't stop Wigan forcing a third set of 6 tackles from a drop out Lewis Tierney scored wide out. Wigan converted and Salford lead 16-28. 

With 6 minutes remaining Salford got some relief when the Warriors  knock on in their own half. The Red Devil's drove to the posts with great tactics from Ian Watson and Gareth O Brien dropped a goal. He is also taken out late so a penalty is awarded on top of the drop goal. Dobson adds that and Salford came away with three points from that passage of play to extend their lead to 16-31. 

 

It's was a famous night for Salford their traveling army of supporters whooped and sung with delight at the final hooter. Once again the players did a fantastic job. Ian Watson was delighted after the game, Watto played in the win at Central Park 20 years ago for Salford so it's double delight for him. The supporters did the club proud tonight and I am sure they gave the players a huge lift with the brilliant atmosphere in the away end.  

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Your listening to this weeks podcast all your Salford Red Devil's chat in one place, BBC presenter and host of The Super League show Tanya Arnold gives us her view of Salfords season so far, we talk about the Justin Carney decision, potential name changes to Manchester and lot of Salford Red Devil's news you need to know.

We talk to Dobbo, Jake Bibby and Greg Johnson about the Win v Widnes, Paul looks at what our amateur clubs fixtures are this weekend too.

Dave Campbell joins us to talk about his latest project where he and 30 other volunteers plan to advertise the club and their games in the area of Salford and Manchester.

Wigan V Salford Red Devils big match preview

Salford Red Devil's take on Wigan Warriors tonight in a top of the table clash at the DW Stadium.

Both team are injury hit but it will be a test for both squads who can deal with the absentees 

 

 

Stats

Wigan lead the statistic battle but only just, Salford will be confident of getting a result tonight.

 

 Form

Salford are the form team with just one defeat in the last 6 games. Wigan currently have won 3 in the same period so Salford may see this as a advantage.

 

Head to head

The last 6 games between the two Wigan have been victorious. But this might not be a big factor as both sides have depleted squads.

 

 

Directions

Traffic will be busy tonight on the way to Wigan with a large following expected from Salford, please plan your journey.

 

Your listening to Devil in the Detail podcast all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat. This week we look back at a turbulent week for Salford with the Justin Carney affair, and the M word discussed. We talk to Dobbo, Jake Bibby and Greg Johnson about the Widnes win. Paul Whiteside looks at  the results and fixtures from our amateur rugby scene.

We are joined by David Campbell who is looking for Salford Champions to help promote the club in their area. 

Enjoy.

Salford 30 Widnes 10 match report

Salford secured another league win to keep their journey to the top 8 on course with victory against Widnes. Paul Whiteside with all the details.

 Salford Red Devil's were back in league action today with the visit of Widnes Vikings. The visitors had seen big improvements in recent weeks with a good home win against St Helens last Friday. Salford gave a debut to young forward Daniel Murray and Niall Evalds returned at full back for the injured Gareth O Brien. The other significant change came on the wing were Jake Bibby took Justin Carneys place. 

 

The first 20 minutes were a tight affair Evalds was great under the high ball and also looking very sharp in attack. The Salford defence was looking really solid. Adam Walne and Lami Tasi coming up with some huge hits. The half way point sees the introduction of Kris Brining and Craig Kopczack. 

There is an instant impact with Brinings sharpness at the play the ball and good distribution, Ben Murdoch Masila is over for the first try. Michael Dobson adds the goal 6-0. Widnes are not really offering much in attack but a lot of that is down to Salford's excellent defensive work. 

Kris Welham is proving to be a nightmare for opposing defences when his fantastic kick through finds the speedy Greg Johnson who races in. Dobson gets the luck with the conversation in off the post 12-0.

Joe Mellor the Widnes stand off looks the most likely to break the Salford resistance. The Red Devil's goal line defence stays firm. Just before the break Michael Dobson was taken off for a concussion assessment. 

 The second half opens up with another great piece of full back play from Evalds who seems to be growing in confidence taking everything the vikings throw at him. 

 

Widnes get the first points of the second half after just four minutes keeping the ball alive on the last tackle. Half back Tom Gilmore scores the try and adds the extra two 12-6.

Next up sees a real piece of magic from Robert Lui. His sublime reverse kick finds Niall Evalds who darts over for a well deserved try. Dobson kicks the goal to edge Salford further in front at 18-6. 

Salford's attack is starting to click in to gear and another flash kick through from Dobson looks to find Evalds who's pace is frightening. The bounce just Evalds him to deny what would of been a sensational score. 

The Vikings though were not for giving in. Patrick Ah Van crashing over in the corner with 17 minutes to go. Gilmore fails to convert 18-10. 

Michael Dobson kicked a penalty goal on the 68th minute 20-10. The final ten minutes however belonged to Salford. Lama Tasi busts right through the heart of the vikings in another thrilling attack. Dobson's clever kick forces a drop out. The pressure is to much for the Vikings and Lui's  pass finds Masila who charges to the line carrying three defenders over showing sheer power! The crowd are on there feet as Dobson kicks the goal 26-10.

 

The final action sees Jake Bibby in the right place at the right time taking Josh Jones offload to score. The youngster was excellent all afternoon showing real strength going forward and was brilliant under the high ball in defence. Dobson goal hits the post 30-10. 

Another solid display from Salford. Ian Watson was happy with how the young players had dealt with the pressure. Without pack stars lee Mossop and George Griffin the young Devils Daniel Murray and Ryan Lannon showed there is competition for places throughout this squad. 

A huge game away at Wigan is next up next Friday. It's 20 years since Salford won that particular away fixture. The way this side are playing though it should be a great night. It's back up to third place in the table. 

Salford 30 Widnes 10.

Paul Whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Your listening to this weeks DITD here all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat, we look back at the Toronto match with Ian Watson. All the big news of the week regarding Salford is covered and we talk to Olsi Krasniqi and Craig Kopczak too. Enjoy 

Salford v TORONTO Match Report

 

Salford have their name in the hat for the next round of the Challenge Cup after a tough battle against Toronto Wolfpack.

Paul Whiteside takes you through the action.

The long road to Wembley began at the AJ Bell Stadium as Salford entertained Toronto wolf pack! New signing Ryan Brierley was in the starting line for the visitors in a squad that boasts lots of Super League experience. 

To most Salford supporters the Challenge Cup is rugby leagues holy grail. Salford were boosted by the return of hooker Kris Brining who made the bench. Robert Lui and Micheal Dobson were back together as half back partners.

Both sides eased themselves into the game. The wolf pack have early pressure with three back to back sets but the Red Devil's defence holds firm.

The first points come for Salford as Dobson's pin point kick finds Kris Welham who leaps up superbly to take the ball over the line. Dobson adds the goal 6-0.

The wolf pack strike back instantly when Kris Welham comes up with an error Liam Kay scores in the corner Craig hall converting 6-6.

 It's soon back to back tries as Greg worthington breaks and Quentin Laula Togagae is under the posts Hall adds the goal to put the visitors ahead 6-12.

 

Salford start to press and when Toronto come up with the error the Red Devil's take advantage on the free play with Greg Johnson swooping over the line! Dobson's conversion is good and the scores are locked at 12-12.

Gareth O Brien was clattered very late but no penalty is given. The match is starting to simmer as Toronto substitute Ryan bailey enters the fray. 

Ryan Brierley breaks through to put the wolf pack back in front. As the away side celebrate Justin Carney is shown the red card!!! The crowd are left staggered it can only be for back chatting. Hall fails to convert 12-16.

Rob Lui this time is caught late after a kick, Salford attack 10 yards out from the penalty. The ball is given some air from Kris Brining and good quick hands sees Johnson in for his second try. Dobson's kick off the touch line is superb and the 12 men hit the front 18-16. 

It's looks like a try is on for the wolf pack as the hooter sounds but Josh Jones comes up with a fantastic cover tackle. 18-16 half time. 

 

Salford get the perfect start to the second half as Welhams fantastic off load falls to Dobson who darts in for a try. Gareth O Brien can't convert but Salford lead 22-16.

 

With 25 minutes remaining the game really is in the balance!

The wolf pack are put on a team warning after another high shot. Salford fail to take advantage and come up with the error. The tension really is mounting and Salford are desperate for that knockout try!

 Lama Tasi looks to have got the ball down but is denied. Salford keep plugging away and the wolf packs discipline lets them down again conceding poor penalties. Gareth O Brien gets the try to settle the home fans nerves and with the conversation Salford open up a 12 point advantage 28-16 with ten minutes remaining.

O Brien very wisely saw a opportunity and popped over a drop goal. 29-18.

 

Salford's second half defence has been outstanding and yet again they held their line. The game management from Dobson and Lui has been nothing short of magnificent. 

The odds looked stacked against Salford at half time but in a very physical match the win and a place in the next round is all that matters. As the hooter sounds Moi Moi goes in against a tired Salford defence Hall converts 29-22!

Ian Watson speaking after the match was delighted with the spirit and defence in the second half after a tough Easter period. Hopefully the draw will be kind to us on Tuesday night. 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat to enjoy.

This week we talk to Ian Watson and Kris Welham about all things Salford and look at the potential restructuring of the RFL and how Salford may fit in to it.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

SALFORD V TORONTO big match preview

Salford Red Devil's take on Toronto Wolfpack in the challenge cup this Sunday. It's going to be a great game. Read our preview below

 

Battle 1 

Dobson v Jacks

Both halfbacks have been outstanding for the respective sides this season and I see this battle as being a good one to watch. As I have said in many battles this season Michael Dobson has been a real leader for the Red Devil's this season and the partnership with him and Rob Lui has caused most opponents trouble in 2017. His kicking game has been very good and to watch him control the attack along with Lui has been magical at times this season. This season he also has crossed the try line a few times and will no doubt look to build on this come 12:15 on Sunday.

Rhys Jacks has been a bit of an unknown quantity with the Wolfpack. The halfback,like Dobson has really been a key player for the Canadian side and I believe there huge point scoring has been brought on by his fantastic playmaking skills and organisation. I have watched most of The Wolfpacks games this season and I hope the Devils won't rely on their super league experience come game time as this will be a very very tough encounter.

 

Battle 2

BMM v MoiMoi

Probably 2 of the biggest men in the game come head to head on Sunday and I for one am looking forward to seeing this. Since signing his new 3 year deal with the Reds BMM has really shown what he is capable off both on attack and defence. The hard running big hitting forward has scored some quality tries this season and on his day is unstoppable at times. 

If you are a fan of rugby league in general you all know the name Fui Fui Moi Moi. The ex New Zealand international prop forward has made a career on big performances and his ability to break a defence down with some strong runs has been sensational over the years. Coming to the end of his career unlike BMM the ex Leigh man will no doubt want to show what he is capable of against quality Super League opponents at the AJ Bell on Sunday.

 

Battle 3

Mossop v Bailey

These 2 man mountains will come head to head in the game this weekend and expect fire works from both men. Mossop as I have said before has been a great addition to the Red Devil's forward line and will look to again show his worth against some good opposition. His no nonsense style of play really stands out and his ability to get over the game line is what has impressed me and a lot of Salford fans in 2017. 

Ryan Bailey has been handed a life line from Toronto in 2017 as most thought after his exit from Warrington at the end of 2016 would be his last in rugby league. The league one side have looked to Bailey to add some super league experience to their ranks and I think Bailey is the right man for that job. At the age of 32 Bailey believe his still has what it takes to be a solid performer and will look to try and silence the vocal supporters from Salford on Sunday.

Ex Reds

 

Adam Sidlow, Jake Emmitt and Andrew Dixon wore the Red shirt with pride during their time at Salford and will be looking to cause a cup upset on Sunday.

Squads

 

 

Your listening to this weeks podcast all your Salford Red Devil's chat. This week we look back at the Easter period, all the news coming from the club, interviews with Dobbo, Kris Welham, Mark Flanagan and Junior Sa'u.

We talk to Ian Watson in coaches corner, Check out the local amateur scene and Ryan Wilkinson joins us to talk about what to expect when the RFL announce the news regarding restructuring of the game tune in.