Wigan Warriors v Salford Red Devils Big Match Preview

Salford travel to Wigan this Friday looking forward to kick start their super 8 campaign. Paul Parkin looks forward to the game.

This week feels a lot like do or die for Wigan and ourselves both sides hopes of making the semi-finals are now hanging in the balance. Wakefield currently hold forth spot 2 points ahead of the Reds and 3 above Wigan and with St Helens in between any slip up this week for either side could make it a near mission impossible. 

Wigan are coming off the back of an 18-4 home win over Huddersfield whilst we’re backing up from our home defeat to runaway leaders Castleford. Both teams are desperate for the crucial 2 points  and maybe both may have revenge on their minds after our first ever win at the DW earlier this season and for us of course the heart-breaking semi-final loss. I have a feeling this could be a very tense affair.

Battle 1: Josh Jones v Ant Gelling

Two big uncompromising guys could well come face to face. Josh Jones is a powerfully strong running player who really takes some stopping, he’s at home either in the centre or as has been more common, in the second row. Gelling is also a strong runner who is awkward to get hold of and even harder to keep hole of. Both players have great offload games which can cause trouble to their opponent.

Battle 2: Weller Hauraki v Jon Bateman

I think it’s safe to say these two guys probably don’t send each other Christmas cards, what I’m saying is I don’t think they like each other very much. There have been many occasions when they’ve met each other that the fireworks (and the fists) have exploded. Weller will pick up even more responsibility in the reds pack this week as the enforcer with both Lama Tasi and Ben Murdoch-Masila missing. Bateman is a real handful who has some really class in his locker, aggressive and tough he’s a real nugget of a forward. These two could well light up the DW.

Battle 3: Niall Evalds v Sam Tomkins

Two exciting attacking full backs who are both very capable of scoring and setting up tries from very little. Both are very dangerous in broken play and will exploit any gaps left in the defensive line. Niall has 12 Super League tries this season and will be looking to add to that this week. Tomkins is a massive influence on the Warriors and has popped up many times this year with important contributions.

Head to Head 

Salford Red Devils 4 Castleford 23 Match Report

Salford's second match of the super 8s was made even more significant with Thursday nights result. Wakefield thumped Leeds 38-6 to leapfrog the Red Devil's to move into 4th place. Salford would start the night in 6th. Visitors Castleford have been outstanding this year and a real model of consistency with just 3 defeats in the regular season. 

There first defeat of the year came at the AJ Bell stadium back in march. A Gareth O Brien drop goal the difference in a 13-12 win for Salford. With 5 defeats on the spin Ian Watson and the boys were desperate for a victory to kick start the season and maintain the top 4 aspirations.

Tyrone McCarthy pulled up in the warm up and was replaced by Craig kopzack.

The Tigers were awarded a penalty after just twenty seconds which seemed to set the tone early on. Six minutes in Salford were denied a try for a forward pass on the next set great work from Paul McShane at dummy half sending Zak Hardacker over. Luke Gale adds the goal 0-6.

Salford start to find there feet and keep the ball alive brilliantly moving the ball across the field. Jake Bibby puts in a clever kick to force a drop out. On the next set Manu Vatuvei goes over in the corner only for the try to be ruled out very harshly by the video referee for obstruction. Hardacker grabbed his second try in the 27th minute. Racing over from a flat pass to scorch under the posts. A Luke Gale goal made it 0-12.

On the next set Gale kicked a 40-20 but some good solid defence from Salford forced the tigers into a mistake. Half time 0-12.

The Red Devil's were desperate for points, hanging on to the coat tails of the league leaders. 5 minutes into the second half the video referee was called in to action as Vatuvei pounced on a neat kick just before the dead ball line! The try was awarded but Todd Carney couldn't convert 4-12. 

The Red Devil's upped the intensity asking real questions of the Tigers defence. Castleford are battle hardened in that department and came up with the answers. 

Another huge call went against Salford when Ryan Lannon was denied a try for a forward pass. The pressure continued to build with both Kopczack and Lannon held up over the line. Just over 20 minutes remained when a real sucker punch try put the game further out of Salford's reach. McShane throwing an outrageous dummy to charge over for a well deserved try. Gales goal nudged the Tigers to 4-18.

Castleford then worked some magic the lively Hardacker breaking through finding Gale in support who's huge pass out to the wing put Jy Hitchcox over to seal the match. Gale missed the kick 4-22. 

5 minutes from time the busy Gale dropped a goal to complete the scoring. 

A night where Salford had quite a few chances and were also on the end of some tough calls from the official. Castleford we're pretty clinical with the ball and solid in defence. 

Ian Watson was focusing on the positives after the match. Another excellent display from new signing Manu Vatuvei. Salford travel to Wigan next Friday for what looks another very difficult match. This super eight competition is certainly starting to hot up with the Red Devil's needing a win to keep there top four dreams alive.

Salford 4 Castleford 23

This report was by Paul Whiteside from The Devil in the detail.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Hull FC 32 Salford 18 match report

Salford kicked off there super 8s campaign with a tough trip up the M62 to Hull. The Airlie birds were on a high after a terrific semi final display to dispatch Leeds. 

The Red Devil's made a bright start Manu Vatuvei taking a high kick and racing down the pitch. He then won a penalty and with some good work from Jake Bibby Vatuvei scores in the corner. With Michael Dobson not playing Todd Carney took on the goal kicking. His first attempt missed 0-4.

Todd Carney then came up with an error which allowed Hull the field position. Moments later after some poor defence Albert Kelly raced in to level the scores. Jake Connor added the goal 6-4. Hull then made it back to back tries Carlos Tuimavave going in after Salford were carved up through the middle. Connor added the goal 12-4.

Robert Lui then finds a bit of magic, his pass puts Niall Evalds through who races 60 yards to the line turning Hull full back Jamie Shaul inside out. Carney fails with the conversation attempt 12-8. 

Rob Lui starts to make a mark on the game with another super kick this time a high bomb is lost in the air by Hull winger Mahe Fonua. From a set scrum ten yards from the line Lui powers over to level the scores. Salford decide to change goal kickers and Lui kicks off the touch line to nudge the Red Devil's ahead 12-14.

Right on the hooter Salford are penalised and hull wisely take the two points on offer to level the score 14-14 half time.

Tyrone McCarthy comes close to opening the scoring at the start of the second half just missing a Lui kick into the in goal area. Shortly after another try goes begging when the busy Lui puts George Griffin through a big gap his pass finds Evalds before the ball goes to ground. 

The game then seem to change momentum wise on the next set when hull find a 40-20 kick from Danny Haughton. A high kick follows but no Salford player seems to jump allowing Fetuli Talanoa to score, Connor makes it 4/4 with the boot 20-14. Jake Connor continued to have a huge say in the game scoring a try after throwing a dummy to ease past some very ordinary Salford defence. His goal stretched the lead to 26-14.

Hulls off load was doing a lot of damage at times the Red Devil's defence looked all over the place. Tuimavave grabbed his second try with Connor converting to put the game out of Salford's reach 32-14. With 15 minutes to go Vatuvei scored his second try. The big kiwi making his mark on the night with a solid display. Another big performance from Niall Evalds at full back with Logan Tomkins playing 80 minutes in a brave display. 

Salford definitely missed Dobson's organisation, with Sau, Tasi, Mossop, Brining and Flanagan missing it was a tough night. Ian Watson was again disappointed at the end of the game with Castleford visiting the AJ bell stadium next Friday Salford are desperate to get a win to boost confidence. Manu Vatuvei is slotting in well and is only going to get better as the weeks go by. His go forward and meter making tonight were fantastic. Defence definitely needs work and the intensity that was there early in the season is missing at the moment. 

Final score Hull 32 Salford 18.

Report by Paul Whiteside 

Pictures by steve McCormick 

HULL FC V SALFORD RED DEVILS BIG MATCH PREVIEW

Salford travel to Hull FC for their 1st game in the Super 8s. After reaching the semi final of the cup a new challenge has started for the Red Devil's. Paul Parkin looks what is in store ahead of the big game

So, we move onto the Super 8’s following our disappointment of last week’s semi-final loss and Hull FC win over Leeds the two clubs, teams & fans couldn’t be much more contrasting. A big game to kick off the final push of the season for the two sides who finished in the top 4 meeting first up. Hull FC can be devastating at times and may feel they "owe us one” for the hammering we handed them at the KCOM earlier this season, however this time both teams find themselves in very different situations. Season ending injuries to Flanagan,Tasi and Brining struggling have upset things massively for us but the arrival of both McCarthy and Vatuvei have eased things slightly.

Battle 1 - Tyrone McCarthy v Gareth Ellis

Two ex-NRL players could well clash at loose forward this week and both will be crucial for their sides. McCarthy had a very impressive debut in last week’s semi-final bagging himself a try will feel slightly more settled in the team patterns this week and hopefully can pick up where he left off last week. Gareth Ellis is one of the most experienced men in the game, a real leader in the FC line-up they have really missed him during periods of injury this season and will be influential in their game plan.

Battle 2 - Josh Jones v Josh Griffin

This could be a mouth-watering contest, two strong uncompromising centres who will take turns point scoring on each other for 80 minutes. Both will know each other’s game inside out. Jones is always very dangerous near the opponent’s line and always draws players in which could well create space for the Beast outside him. As for Griffin well what can we say, he is a massive reason we’re involved in these big end of season games due to his heroics in the MPG we know only too well how much of a threat he will be.

Battle 3 – Manu Vatuvei v Mahe Fonua

The big Kiwi came into last weekend’s game will the world waiting to see him explode but a week to early MAYBE now he’s had a little time to adjust and settle he may now unleash the beast which, for opposing players, would be terrifying. His match this week is likely to be Fonua the Tongan international who himself takes some stopping, although being a good few inches smaller than Manu, he still weighs in at over 16st of muscle, this could be bone crunching.

Head to Head

Form

Salford 14 Wigan 27 Match Report

Arguably Salford's biggest game since the 1998 semi final against Sheffield. The Red Devil's arrived at the Halliwell Jones stadium to take on Wigan. Victory would see Salford reach Wembley for the first time since 1969. This has been a dream for most of Salford's loyal band of supporters for decades. Form coming into this game has certainly dipped to say the least, but with key players returning anything could happen. 

Craig Kopczack was back in the starting line up along with new signing Manu Vatuvei. Robert Lui dropped out late in the week and Tyrone McCarthy made the bench.

From the kick off the Red Devil's forced a Wigan knock on in the opening set with some ferocious defence roared on by the huge following behind the sticks. 

Wigan winger Tom Davies came close in the early stages but was denied by the video referee. Oliver Gildart grabbed the opening try in the 9th minute with George Williams adding the goal 6-0. 

Wigan were now taking control as the lively Sam Tomkins broke down centre field. Moments later a penalty was awarded for interference Williams added the goal 8-0.

Willie Isa strolled in after some poor Salford defence. Williams missed with the goal 12-0 after 16 minutes!

A response was needed and we certainly got one! Lovely hands from Michael Dobson and Todd Carney created the space for Niall Evalds to send Greg Johnson in at the corner! Michael Dobson kicked off the touch line 12-6. 

Straight from the kick off Greg Johnson makes a thrilling break. Dobson's grubber kick is pin point for McCarthy to touch down. The video referee after much debate awards the try. Dobson's goal levels the scores at 12-12.

Lama Tasi leaves the field after what looked like a dangerous cannon ball tackle from Sam Powell. The incident goes on report but strangely no penalty awarded. Todd Carney responds with a huge 40-20 kick. Salford force a repeat set and pile the pressure on. Carney grubber kicks for Tyrone McCarthy who looks to be held back behind the in goal area by Sam Tomkins. 

The video referee says no try but Salford are awarded a penalty as Tomkins is sin binned for a professional foul. Dobson edges Salford in front 12-14. 

George Williams is lucky not to be sin binned after a real cheap shot on Kris Welham. A fantastic first half ends 12-14 to Salford.

Wigan started the second half on the front foot. Sam Tomkins causing havoc with his weaving runs,bursts through to send joe Burgess racing to the line. Some how Evalds tracks back to pull of an absolute wonder tackle. The video referee is called upon yet again and Evalds effort is rewarded, no try! 

Wigan continue to press but Salford defend well Welham forcing the dangerous Gildart in to touch. 

55 minutes in a dubious penalty for Wigan for a ball steal. Williams kicks the goal to level the scores at 14-14. 

Another Wigan penalty follows after what looked a great tackle from Lami Tasi. Williams how ever misses the kick. 

20 minutes to go as the heavens open the rain starts to pour down . The warriors break with Burgess kicking in field Mcllorum pounces to score. Williams goal 20-14.

Sam Tomkins then wisely slots over a drop goal 21-14.

Salford were not going to throw the towel and Todd Carney came up with another 40-20. Anthony Gelling was sin binned for dissent. Wigan would play the last ten minutes with twelve men. As the conditions got worse so did Salford's handling and the clock was against us. Gildart put the game to bed in the final minute with a try that made the final score a little harsh on Salford. Williams goal 27-14.

For Ian Watson the attention now turns to the super 8s. A tough trip to hull on Friday night awaits. Ian was proud of his sides effort today and so were the traveling supporters. Salford RLFC are certainly going in the right direction.

Final score at the Halliwell Jones stadium 

Wigan 27 Salford 14.

Paul Whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford Red Devil's v Wigan Warriors Challenge Cup big match preview

On Sunday Salford Red Devil's take on Wigan Warriors in the challenge cup semi final in Warrington. A win will take Salford to Wembley. Check out Paul Parkin's big match preview below.

So here it is the big one, the match we’ve been waiting for, is it just me or does it seem we’ve been waiting months for this? The Challenge Cup Semi-final, a mouth-watering prospect but I feel I don’t really need to give it the big up or even much of a preview as I’m sure you’ve all imagined how the day and the game will go about a thousand times. One thing I do know that come kick off on Sunday there will be a wall of noise from near 5,000 proud Salford fans and boy will they know we’re there. Red Army.

Battle 1 – Ian Watson v Shaun Wane

Possible the biggest key battle I’ve written about, these two men, both of whom are native of the communities they represent an oddity, hold the key to which side will be walking out at Wembley next month. Master and apprentice maybe not but Shaun Wane holds a massive advantage when it comes to coaching teams in massive matches like this one but then as we’ve seen over the past two seasons Ian Watson has a few surprises up his sleeves and will have his troops fully prepared for this.

Battle 2 – Michael Dobson v Sean O’Loughlin

No, I realise they don’t play the same position and I haven’t gone mad but these two are likely to be the skippers on Sunday and both are massively influential to their sides. O’Loughlin has been there and seen it all in over 400 Wigan matches and will have the knowhow to guide Wigan around the park and instruct them where and when they are required. “Dobbo” has been massive for us this season and is a real leader to this young team, again a wealth of experience to call upon he could well be the key to our success.

Battle 3 – Todd Carney v George Williams

Well at the start of the season I said it can’t be bad having Todd Carney as your back-up half back and despite him maybe not hitting his straps to often in a red shirt Sunday is tailor made for him to express his bag of undoubtable tricks. Wigan won’t have seen much of him this season to judge what effect he’ll have on Salford but hey will know he has everything in his locker to turn in a man of the match performance. England international Williams has been magnificent in what has been a frustrating and injury hit campaign at the DW and he appears to have been impervious to the constant swapping and changing of personnel a real star now and for the future for me the real dangerman in the Wigan ranks.

Previous meetings 

Form guide

Leigh v Salford MATCH REPORT

Salford travelled to the Leigh sports village for there final match of the regular season. Sitting third in the league table the Red Devil's were on course for there highest league position in 41 years. A fourth place finish in 1980 and 5th in 2006 the highlights since the glory years of the mid 70s.

 On a really wet miserable night the rain poured down for most of the match making ball handling very tricky. Leigh started the game with a real gusto and plenty of enthusiasm. Greg McNally scoring from a set scrum to catch Salford cold out wide. Josh drinkwater added the conversation 6-0.

Michael Dobson then came up with an error, Ben Crooks unlucky not to score as he hacked a kick on but just ran out of room to ground the ball. 20 minutes in and the centurions doubled there advantage when Atela Vea charged over drinkwaters kick made it 12-0. 

Salford were really lacklustre and disjointed. It was a half of few chances with the amount of mistakes. Mitch Brown was pulled back for a forward pass to deny a third Leigh try. Then came a crucial point in the match. Salford's best chance with Ben Murdoch Masila breaking through finding Greg Johnson with a lovely pass, Greg looked inside for Dobson who put the pass down. Moments later soft defence out wide again allows Leigh centre Langi to score. Drinkwater kicks superbly off the touch line 18-0 at half time.

The second half didn't really get any better for Salford. Worryingly Robert Lui was helped from the field with an ankle injury in the 54th minute. Michael Dobson was working over time and perhaps trying a bit to hard a times. Nothing seemed to be coming off as knock ons early in the tackle count continued to scupper Salford's night. 

The first points of the second half came in the 74th minute when the excellent josh Drinkwater dropped a goal 19-0. In the final minute McNally scooped up a loose ball to chip over the stranded Ryan Lannon to race 50 yards under the posts for the try of the night. Drinkwater rounded off the points by tagging the conversation on 25-0.

A really disappointing night for Salford who now have over a week to prepare for a huge cup semi final against Wigan. Ian Watson was concerned with the form speaking after the match and could make changes next Sunday. 

Tyrone McCarthy and Manu Vatuvei will both train this week and be in contention. There could also be returns from other injuries so hopefully good news later in the week. All is not lost yet with next week and 7 super eight games to look forward to. The prospect of third place is now gone and only a big St. Helens win against Wakefield on Sunday would see a fourth place finish. 

Final score Leigh 25 Salford 0. 

Paul whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Check out our latest podcast below Gareth Walker from the Daily Mirror talking about Salfords season so far.