Hull v Salford Big Match preview

Devil In The Detail SRD · Celebrating a win in Cas Vegas and hoping for some ooh la la against the new French fancies

As a young lad growing up the away trip to Hull always seemed an exciting one. Either Hull or Hull Kingston Rovers both were a fair journey up the M62. I can remember a match at the old Boulevard ground which Salford won 15-20 in January 1996 then after that our next away win came in 2009 at the new KC Stadium in the Challenge cup. Our record in Super League away at Hull is pretty dismal, just three victories from twenty four matches. That said those three wins were very special. The 2017 and 2019 games will be forever remembered by Salford’s travelling supporters as the team completely dismantled their hosts in two tremendous performances. 

One of the shock moves in the close season saw Marc Sneyd leave Hull and join Salford. I don’t think many supporters saw that one coming. Luke Gale has replaced Sneyd after moving from Leeds Rhinos to Humberside. 

The Airlie birds started the season with a tricky test away to Wakefield. On a glue pot pitch they earned a hard fought victory in a game that saw the pragmatic Jake Connor shown the red card. Last weekend a home defeat to St.Helens brought another red card when Gale was sent off for a very strange challenge. The scrum half seem to challenge for the ball with his feet up catching Saints player Johnny Lomax. I didn’t think it was a malicious challenge, it seemed more careless. Either way it left the referee with little option. Gale now faces a significant time suspended leaving coach Brett Hodgson with a gap to fill. 

Super League away Record.

Hull 21

Draw 0

Salford 3

1998 Hull 32 Salford 0

1999 Hull 18 Salford 12

2000 Hull 26 Salford 22

2001 Hull 40 Salford 8

2002 Hull 28 Salford 8

2002 Hull 60 Salford 16

2004 Hull 82 Salford 6

2005 Hull 20 Salford 6

2006 Hull 11 Salford 10

2007 Hull 48 Salford 26

2009 Hull 14 Salford 12

2010 Hull 34 Salford 12

2011 Hull 52 Salford 16

2012 Hull 34 Salford 26

2013 Hull 18 Salford 13

2014 Hull 30 Salford 8

2015 Hull 24 Salford 20

2016 Hull 42 Salford 20

2017 Hull 18 Salford 54

2017 Hull 32 Salford 18 (Super Eights)

2018 Hull 45 Salford 14

2019 Hull 35 Salford 32

2019 Hull 22 Salford 44

2020 Hull 22 Salford 28 (played behind closed doors at Warrington).

They played for both.

Paul Fletcher, Richie Barnett, Brian Blacker, Jodie Broughton, Craig Coleman, Josh Griffin, Brad Hepi, Mark Johnson, Daniel Holdsworth, Alan Hunte, Stuart Howarth, Warren Jowitt, Tommy Lee, Ryan Mcgoldrick, Craig Murdock, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Tommy Saxton, Scott Taylor, Jordan Turner, Martin Gleeson, Josh Jones and Marc Sneyd.

A MATCH TO REMEMBER FRIDAY 7TH APRIL 2017

Hull FC 18 Salford Red Devil’s 54.

Well I didn’t have much choice when picking a match to remember but this certainly was one of those nights that Salford supporters cherish. A night that eases all the pain and misery of the heavy defeats and disappointing days.

Salford went in to this game brimming with confidence. Hull were by know means a poor side, they were at home with some word class players on there books and also the Challenge Cup holders. Salford had beaten St Helens the previous week and before that had crushed Widnes on their own ground as well as toppling league leaders Castleford at the AJ Bell Stadium.

It was a rip roaring first half that blew the home side away leaving Salford’s travelling away supporters flabbergasted. The ruthless Red Devils looked like scoring on every attack with their free flowing brand of attacking rugby. Ben Murdoch Masila was the man of the moment and totally unplayable that night. Salford lead 8-34 at half time.

A couple of quick Hull tries after the break didn’t really upset Salford’s rhythm as they posted another 20 points in an exquisite display. The tries coming from Greg Johnson 2, Craig Kopzack 2, Justin Carney, Michael Dobson, George Griffin, Robert Lui, Ben Murdoch Masila and Junior Sau.

Gareth O Brien four goals and Dobson kicked three.

The teams that night were ;

Hull FC: Shaul; Michaels, Fonua, Griffin, Talanoa; Connor, Sneyd; Bowden, Washbrook, Watts, Manu, Minichiello, Thompson.

Replacements: Green, Turgut, Fash, Litten.

Sin-Bin: Sneyd (35), Shaul (67).

Salford Red Devils: O’Brien; Carney, Sa’u, Welham, Johnson; Lui, Dobson; Mossop, Tomkins, Tasi, Murdoch-Masila, Jones, Flanagan.

Replacements: Kopczak, Griffin, Walne, Carney.

Sin-Bin: Carney (59).

Attendance, 11,016

Referee, Gareth Hewer. 

Saturday’s match.

Salford supporters will be absolutely buzzing for Saturday’s match. Going to Hull with four league points in the bag already, confidence is high. 

It’s quite a journey up the M62 to Humberside as we’ve already mentioned but when your winning matches you just can’t wait to get to the next one.

Speaking after the Castleford victory Paul Rowley said it feels like Rugby League is back. It also feels like Salford are back. The club built some tremendous momentum in 2019 to reach a Grand Final. I am not getting carried away yet thinking we can repeat that but it does feel like this group of players in 2022 have a similar sort of bond between them. The team are playing with a smile on their faces and the feel good factor around the club is there for all to see.

Looking towards Saturday’s match Hull have some quality in their squad. Josh Reynolds is a very experienced half back and Danny Houghton is one of the Super League’s toughest competitors. After his red card in round one Jake Connor should return to the side after missing last weeks match with St. Helens through suspension. Connor can be a very dangerous player and he’s one Salford will have to keep a close eye on. 

Their is a fair amount of pressure and expectation on Hull this season after a disappointing year in 2021. The Red Devils will no doubt be the underdogs for this fixture but you get the feeling Paul Rowley relishes that tag. In recent interviews Paul seems to have a real glint in his eye and a belief that has rubbed off on his players. He is building a hard working ethos and culture at Salford. A team that the supporters can be proud of and a club that puts the City firmly back on the Super League map. 

One thing I’ve been really impressed with this season is those very warm looking coats the subs wear. They look like extra thick dressing gowns. Hope to get one on my Christmas list! 

I personally can’t wait for the match on Saturday.

The action gets underway at 3pm.

Safe travels and enjoy the match.

Paul Whiteside.Pictures by Steve McCormick