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Devil In The Detail SRD · Record attendance, Lights camera action ready for a Wakefield Stress test With Castleford’s surprise win over Warrington last weekend Wakefield Trinity are in desperate need of points. Three wins from safety doesn’t sound a lot but when you’ve only won one match out of sixteen things start to look rather ominous.  Trinity coach Mark Applegarth has brought in some new players. The vastly experienced Luke Gale has joined from Championship club Keighley and David Fifita has returned from a stint in Australia. Gale scored a try on his debut last Friday in defeat at Hull Kingston Rovers. Crowd favourite Max Jowitt has returned from a long injury lay off and one player who’s impressed me this season when I’ve watched Trinity is Will Dagger. Having spent time on loan in recent years with York, Featherstone and Leigh, his time at Hull Kingston Rovers is where he learned his trade. After five years on Humberside the twenty four year old from nearby Castleford is a bi

Devil In The Detail SRD · Player reaction to Wigan Loss Pop up After another tropical week on the weather front Salford were back at home to face Wigan. Despite a few clouds around the temperature hovered around the mid twenties. The pitch looked impressive and this match had all the ingredients for a fast, free flowing game with plenty of tries. The walk up to the stadium was a pretty special one today. The club was celebrating Armed Forces Day and that was lots going on. A record crowd was expected as Salford looked to continue their excellent League form.  Wigan came into the match after a very hard fought victory over Warrington in the Challenge Cup but their form in the League has seen an alarming dip with just one win in their last five games. This has seen the Cherry and Whites drop to sixth in the table but I don’t think there will be to much panic considering how close the top six is at the moment. Victory for Salford would move them four points clear of Wigan and leave them

Devil In The Detail SRD · Job done in Castleford, Late Drama in Bradford, Cup fever building now Last Saturday’s defeat in the Challenge Cup was a real hammer blow for both the club and the supporters. It took me a few days to come round and I must admit on the Sunday I was still hurting. The cup only comes around once a year and it’s a trophy that has eluded Salford for eighty five years. Arriving on Humberside side the Red Devils were in blistering form with eight wins from nine matches. For one reason or another the match was a huge disappointment, we never got going and it’s fair to say the game was more or less over at half time. When you look at the semi finals with Leigh, Wigan and St.Helens there it would of been amazing to be part of. I’ll still watch the two matches later next month but it won’t feel quite the same.  Perhaps playing Wigan in the Super League this week is the perfect bounce back game. It promises to be a thrilling atmosphere with plenty of entertainment off t

Devil In The Detail SRD · Job done in Castleford, Late Drama in Bradford, Cup fever building now  Salford Red Devils ladies recorded their 2nd win in Super League two with a dramatic late try away at Bradford Bulls. Coach Dawn Schofield stepped in as acting head coach in place of Chris Bates and her team started brightly putting pressure on the Bradford defence. It took four minutes for Salford to strike first, a try from Captain Louise Fellingham who got on the end of a Demi Jones kick to open the scoring. Demi Jones converted. Salford gained confidence after the good start  and more was to come as good work by Jones and Fellingham sent Centre Steph Gray over for Salfords 2nd score, Demi Jones converted again and Salford lead by 12 points. Bradford realised they were in a battle and hit back soon after a powerful run by Jess Harrap reduced Salfords lead to 6 after 15 minutes. Salfords defence was tested as another wave of attacks from Bradford had hearts in mouths and despite heroic

Devil In The Detail SRD · Job done in Castleford, Late Drama in Bradford, Cup fever building now   After a sweltering week of sunny days the weather was slightly cooler with a gentle breeze as Salford and their supporters made the trip to Humberside. The conditions and pitch were perfect for Rugby league with a tremendous atmosphere building prior to kick off. Salford coach Paul Rowley made just one change with Joe Burgess replacing Rhys Williams on the wing. Backed by a fanatical vocal following Salford ran out on to the pitch full of confidence following their recent form.  The Robins had new loan signing Tanguy Zenon  at fullback after the Frenchman signed a short term loan deal from Catalans Dragons.  After a bright start of missed chances Salford failed to post points and lacked a little composure. Perhaps it was nerves and the pressure of expectation but the home side capitalised.  Rovers dominated territory and possession. They seemed determined and full of energy.  Ryan Hall

Devil In The Detail SRD · Job done in Castleford, Late Drama in Bradford, Cup fever building now Sometimes after a match you think about years gone by. On the way home from Castleford last Friday I was thinking about twenty one years ago, the 2002 season where we lost to Castleford four times. 19-6 in the cup and 24-2 in the league at Wheldon Road. 16-74 at the Willows in a terrible performance before losing 10-20 at home on the final day to confirm our relegation.  Nights like last Friday make all the years of struggle and strain worth while. I think you savour the good wins that little bit more. This Saturday we travel to Hull Kingston Rovers for a huge Quarter final clash. Rewind to just over twenty years ago and we beat the Robins in the Challenge Cup on their home ground 2-12. It was a miserable and wet Friday night 2nd March 2003. Rovers were in there traditional white and Red kit with Salford playing in Red. After the early stages both sets of players were covered in mud and f

Devil In The Detail SRD · Castleford win reaction with Ryan Brierley and Paul Rowley Salford took were back on the road with a trip to West Yorkshire to face Castleford Tigers. Both sides were victorious at the Magic Weekend with Castleford now desperately trying to climb away from the foot of the League table. Salford arrived just two points of the top spot, confidence flowing but with a humble attitude that has served Paul Rowley’s side so well over the last two seasons.  Over the last fifty years Wheldon Road has been a bit of a grave yard for Salford sides, particularly in significant cup matches, supporters of a certain age will relate to that I am sure.  The Tigers had experienced campaigner Gareth Widdop at fullback. Jack Broadbent and Jacob Miller were the half backs with Paul McShane at hooker. Salford coach Paul Rowley made just one changed with Rhys Williams replacing Joe Burgess on the wing. The rest of the side and the substitute bench were exactly the same as last Satur

Devil In The Detail SRD · Its a magic week for Salford as the Reds Rise Together and go to Castleford Both teams and their supporters will have enjoyed the Magic Weekend. Salford won a thrilling match against Hull Kingston Roves and Castleford put in a hard working display to topple West Yorkshire rivals Leeds.  Salford currently sit fifth in the League table but it’s so tight. Just two points separate the top five clubs with St. Helens and Hull Kr just four points off.  It’s going to be a fascinating second half to the season.  The Tigers have struggled in 2023 and been on the end of some big defeats. New coach Andy Last has had a tough start to his coaching journey at Wheldon Road.  Salford have won seven from there last eight games and another win on Friday night would really consolidate there place in the top six. Anything seems possible this season and it’s refreshing to see Leigh doing so well after gaining promotion from the Championship.  The Red Devils have had some good suc

It was certainly a pleasant Saturday morning journey up to Newcastle. Blue skies and plenty of sunshine with a slight breeze. The atmosphere outside St James Park Stadium was filled with excitement and plenty of colour. Club shirts were everywhere representing the magnificent sport that is Rugby League. Salford and Hull Kingston Rovers would be kicking the weekend off with a 1:30pm start.  With hooker Andy Ackers missing Chris Atkin slotted in at nine. Atkin is such an honest professional and is comfortable in most positions on the pitch. Salford’s only other change from last weekend was Amir Bourouh who replaced Atkin on the bench. Just points difference separated these two sides on the League table and with a beautiful wide playing surface points were expected in this match. The Robins had Lachlan Coote at fullback and veteran try scoring machine Ryan Hall on the wing. Mikey Lewis and Jez Litten were the halves and former Salford favourite Sam Luckley was on the bench. Both sets of s

Devil In The Detail SRD · Kurt Haggerty & Ben Helliwell Hull FC reaction   It’s been an eventful few weeks for Salford RLFC and the supporters. Defeat at St.Helens was followed by a very exciting win over Huddersfield in the Challenge Cup. Then there was the Tyler Dupree transfer request and interest from Hull Kingston Rovers. To trump that thought Chris Atkin signed a new contract which was music to the ears. Atkin is a fantastic player, a real top professional that just gets on with his job. Every club needs a player like Atkin and Salford are so lucky to have extended his services. He has a very intelligent rugby league brain, he’s as brave as they come as well as being a skilful player. On the pitch both Salford and Hull KR are having very exciting seasons. The two clubs will meet in the Challenge Cup quarter finals in just over two weeks time and back in 1981 they met at that stage with the Robins beating Salford before reaching Wembley with a 22-5 victory over St.Helens at