Author: Lewis Smith

Salford failed to seal their first Wembley berth since 1969 as they narrowly lost out to Wigan at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

The Red Devils, who booked their highest ever Super League finish last weekend, found themselves 12-0 down inside the opening fifteen minutes however fought back to go into the break in the lead.

In a nip-and-tuck affair and despite some late pressure from Ian Watson’s men it was a Michael McIlorum try which spurred Wigan on to victory.

While an appearance at Wembley is now out of the question the Red Devils and Ian Watson featured in the club’s first semi-final for almost twenty years and, alongside their lofty league finish, now have the foundations in place going into the crucial super eights.

Wigan were in the ascendancy in the early stages as winger Tom Davies crossed twice but had both efforts ruled out by video referee Ben Thaler. Davies was first denied after putting a foot in touch before the second was cancelled out after a forward pass from Anthony Gelling.

However, the Warriors did take the lead when a quick tip on from Willie Isa allowed Oliver Gildart to go over. George Williams successfully converted before adding a penalty goal five minutes later to extend Wigan’s lead. Willie Isa went from provider to scorer moments later as he sliced through the Red Devils defence to score.

But, Salford soon hit back with some fantastic link-up play between Michael Dobson and Todd Carney. The Australian half found winger Greg Johnson who finished well in the corner to get the Red Devils back in the game. Dobson sunk the conversion from out wide.

It didn’t take long for Ian Watson’s men to then level the scores. Dobson was again involved as his low grubber kick was planted down by Tyrone McCarthy on his debut with his first touch in a Red shirt. The resulting conversion levelled the scores.

Salford continued to put pressure on the Warriors line following a 40-20 from Carney. Wigan soon found themselves down to twelve men as Sam Tomkins was sent to the bin for taking out Tyrone McCarthy off the ball.

Unfortunately, Salford couldn’t take advantage by crossing for a try but a Dobson penalty goal did ensure they went into the interval ahead.

Wigan started in an almost identical fashion to the first half as Joe Burgess raced fifty metres after Sam Tomkins’ initial break however a great last ditch effort from Niall Evalds prevented a try. But, Williams would level the scores midway through the half with a penalty goal.

Williams spurned an opportunity to put Wigan ahead following a high tackle from Lama Tasi but the Warriors did take the lead on the sixty-minute mark as a cut-out ball found Burgess who then kicked inside for Michael McIlorum who finished well. Williams converted.

Tomkins furthered Wigan’s lead with a drop-goal and despite some late pressure from the Red Devils it was Shaun Wane’s side who booked there place at Wembley when Gildart crossed for his second of the afternoon in the closing stages.

Salford: Evalds, Johnson, Welham, Sau, Vatuvei, Carney, Dobson, Tasi, Tomkins, Kopczak, Murdoch-Masila, Jones, Hauraki.

Interchanges: O’Brien, Krasniqi, McCarthy, Griffin.

The eyes of over a million BBC viewers across the country will be on the Salford Red Devils on Sunday afternoon as we aim to secure our first trip to Wembley since 1969 in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Semi-Final against Wigan Warriors.

The Red Devils have already overcome Toronto Wolfpack, Hull KR and Wakefield Trinity in the competition so far and are one win against the old enemy Wigan away from claiming a place in Rugby Leagues showpiece event in August.
After a hugely successful regular season, the response from the Salford Red Devils supporters has been superb, selling out two allocations of tickets in just over 4 weeks, and we know that even more people will be supporting the Red Devils from their living rooms and from pubs across the city on Sunday afternoon.
A Wembley berth would be a huge statement of intent and achievement from Ian Watson’s side, who have been Super League’s surprise package this year, and the team are ready to put the Red Devils on the national stage.

To celebrate our most successful season in over four decades, the Salford Red Devils are hosting a ‘Semi-Final Send Off’ breakfast event at the The Salford Stadium prior to the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Semi-Final against Wigan Warriors.

2017 has been the most memorable Red Devils campaign in recent memory, and you the supporters have central to creating an atmosphere of optimism and success around the club.

Once again, Ian Watson’s side will look to the Red Army for inspiration as they prepare for a career defining game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, and we are giving supporters the opportunity to give the team the best possible send off.

The package, priced at just £10 (£5 for Children) will include:

-Breakfast

-A supporters pack including flag and clapper

– Pre match interviews from first team squad members and special guests.

 –The chance to see the first team depart from the The Salford Stadium.

To buy for ticket for this event click here.

Ireland international Tyrone McCarthy has arrived at the The Salford Stadium as the Red Devils prepare to take on the business end of the rugby league season.

With a place in the Betfred Super League top four up for grabs, and a Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Semi Final against Wigan Warriors on the horizon, there has never been a more exciting time to be a Red Devils player, and McCarthy says he is looking forward to getting stuck in;

“This is where the excitement starts and the big games start coming thick and fast. Obviously the team is still in contention for both competitions so hopefully I can push my way into that team and start performing, and bring some silverware in.”

McCarthy has been on the radar of Marwan Koukash and Ian Watson for some time, and Tyrone is convinced that the time was right to make the move after a spell in the NRL with St George Illawarra Dragons;

“Once I’d made the decision about coming over, I spoke to Ian Watson and I was really excited about what he wanted to achieve here and what I can bring to the team, so hopefully I can do that, and experience some success on the pitch.

A Challenge Cup winner from his time at Warrington, McCarthy is well aware of what it takes to be successful at the highest level, but he insists he is only focused on working hard and earning his place in the side;

“My first focus is just traning hard and getting to know the boys and just getting to know everyone and get the respect of everyone and performances can get me into the frame and start looking at those big games.”

Tyrone will have to wait to make his Red Devils debut, as his Red Devils teammates prepare to take on Leigh Centurions tonight, but he is chomping at the bit to get started;

“I did send a message to Watto asking if I could play this week but I think he was advised that just incase, as I’d just got off the plane it probably wasn’t the best thing to do, but I’m raring go, I just want to get out there and show everybody what I can do.”

Head Coach Ian Watson has named his 19 man squad to take on Leigh Centurions and Leigh Sports Village on Friday night.
Tickets for this game can be purchased by calling 0161 786 1574 or by visit the The Salford Stadium.
 

New signing Manu Vatuvei has spoken to RedDevilsTV for the first time since arriving at the The Salford Stadium.

Vatuvei has joined the Salford Red Devils after spending 13 years with the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, and has joined up with his new team mates for the first time this week.

Having spent so long with the Warriors, Manu says he is looking forward to making a start a with Salford;

“It still feels like it’s not real, but once I got here, I’m just excited now, and I just can’t wait to get things going.”

The winger has made  over 220 NRL appearances scoring over 150 times, and he is now looking forward to making his mark on the Betfred Super League;

“I have picked a few things off some of the boys over here, they’ve said it was pretty much similar to the NRL, I don’t know too much (about Super League), but once I get my first game and get the feel of it week to week I know how different it is and what it feels like.”

Vatuvei arrives in time for the Super 8’s campaign, and is keen to settle into his new surroundings quickly;

“I’m looking forward to getting around and seeing everything and getting familiar with the area. I’ll be here for a while now so I want to make sure that I know all the good places for coffee and feeds with the boys.”

Manu arrived on uncharacteristically warm Salford day, but is not phased by prospect of British rugby league conditions;

“I’ve arrived at a good time so I can just ease myself in to the weather, I know how cold it can get, but I’ll be used to it from back home, it doesn’t get quite as cold as it does here but I’ll get used to it!.”

The New Zealand international has achieve a plethora of accolades in the NRL, but is insistent that he still has something to prove in Super League;

“I want to make sure I do everything as best as I can for the new club, I don’t want to come here and not perform and not to do my job. I just cant to show what I can do and I’m looking forward to playing some consistent footy.”

Vatuevei is joining Salford at a time when the team are poised for a top four finish at the end of the regular season and are preparing for a landmark Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Semi-Final, and he is determined to contribute to the continued success of the team;

“I don’t want to come here and ruin the hard work that boys have been doing. I just want to come and hopefully make an impact on what they’ve been doing and just continue to do what I do and play how I play.”

Manu will be sponsored by Arlec Property services.

The Salford Red Devils are delighted to announce the signing of Irish International Forward Tyrone McCarthy from St George Illawarra Dragons on a long term contract with immediate effect.

McCarthy has a wealth of Super League experience having spent time at Hull KR and Warrington Wolves, winning the Challenge cup in his time at Warrington.

Tyrone is the second new signing to arrive in time for the Super 8 section of the season and Head Coach Ian Watson is confident he can be a big influence on the side, he said;

“Tyrone is a really big signing for us, not only will he bring ability and experience to the side, but also leadership, he is a bloke that leads with his actions. His attitude and commitment to play for his team mates is first class and that is exactly what we need at this stage of the season. Players like Tyrone will be a massive part of any success we will have as a team.

McCarthy has made 12 appearance for the Irish International side, including at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, and CEO Ian Blease is hoping Tyrone will be able to bring his experience to the side;

“We’ve got a young team so having someone of Tyrone’s experience and calibre will be of massive benefit, particularly as we approach the business end of the season. He is a great professional who will fit in well with the group we already have, as an ex-player I really admire the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch, he will be a great asset to this club. I’d like to thank St George for releasing him to us at this time.”

Tyrone will be sponsored by Arlec Property Services.