Following a 12-40 defeat to Wigan in Round One of the 2018 Betfred Super League Kris Welham said mistakes from Salford helped The Warriors run away with the game.
Welham opened the scoring in the 4th minute but Wigan went on to score forty unanswered points with the centre feeling as though Salford’s errors aided the visitors.
Welham, sponsored by Process Gas Services, said: “Yeah, it’s not the started that we wanted.
“We did well in the first half and we made a game of it but in the second half we came out and did everything wrong.
“We gave away penalties, errors and read wrong players and against good teams you can’t do that.
“We were making errors in our ten and twenty on plays one and two which you can’t do and definitely not against Wigan either.”
Salford were reduced to twelve men either side of half-time as George Griffin was sin-binned for a tackle which was adjudged to be dangerous however Welham doesn’t feel this affected the side.
“As sin-bins go it’s probably come at a good time.
“Five minutes before half-time and five minutes after you play five minutes then get a rest and play five minutes again so I don’t think that affected the team too much.”
Tag: 2018 Season
Shaun Wane – “I’m satisfied with it”
Wigan Warriors Head Coach Shaun Wane was pleased to see his sides practice in training in action in their 12-40 victory over Salford.
Wane said: “I’m satisfied with it.
“We did some good things there were a few things we needed to tweak at half-time but overall we did things what we practiced which was the most important one.
“We had a bit more ball movement and a bit more movement from players.
“I thought a little bit of detail in our defence was a bit off that’s something we need to fix but I saw what we’ve been practicing in that second half which was pleasing.
“I thought the two tries they scored were soft from us defensively but overall I’m happy with the result.
“I’d have taken that score before the game but our ball movement was good we did a lot of good things.
“We did change a lot but I think we looked comfortable with whoever we put in there but we practiced that we’ve thrown people in and made things a bit odd in training and they’ve handled that really well.”
Wigan now head Down Under for their tour of New South Wales which will see them face NRL giants South Sydney Rabbitohs and fellow Super League side Hull FC.
Ian Watson – “Second half we’ve just kind of crumbled”
Salford Red Devils Head Coach Ian Watson was disappointed with his sides second half performance in their 12-40 defeat against Wigan but did find positives.
Watson said: “If you want my positives on it I thought our middles were kind of outstanding.
“I thought first half we were great to be fair apart from the poor penalty we gave away and then conceded on the back of it.
“Other than that we were in the game and pretty comfortable I thought our middles were doing a great job for us I think their left edge has just tore us apart to be fair.
“Our discipline on our kick chase was good we restricted their metres on the back of those our middles defended well.
However, Watson accepted that Wigan’s left-hand side was crucial to The Warriors victory and too many mistakes and penalties cost his side.
Watson said: “They’ve been a great attacking edge for a while now that combination of George Williams, Liam Farrell, Oliver Gildart and then obviously Joe Burgess or Liam Marshall.
“We were aware of it talked about it in the week and practiced running against it but you only know when you actually come up against those players they’re the only ones who can do what they do aren’t they
“We started fighting again in the last ten minutes but the games kind of gone then it’s about making sure we show that resilience when we do concede were resilient enough to defend.
“The biggest thing is conceding forty points because first half we were outstanding I thought but second half we’ve just kind of crumbled.
“Dumb penalties, poor ball control and completion and bad reads defensively in a nutshell – that covers it all to be honest.”
In the Know – Wigan Warriors – Betfred Super League Round One
In our first ‘In the Know’ of the 2018 Betfred Super League season we talk to Wigan Today’s Phil Wilkinson about all things Wigan as the Warriors travel to the The Salford Stadium this evening.
Wigan come into the game on the back of some solid pre-season results, how have the side been going so far in 2018?
They were satisfied with how they played at Leigh – the wins at Swinton and London Skolars involved reserve sides – but given they have played poorly and lost friendlies in recent years, and gone on to enjoy successful campaigns, I keep their pre-season form in perspective.
They’ve lost Michael McIlorum and Anthony Gelling in pre-season. How big are these losses for the Warriors and how will it impact them?
Micky’s a big loss, for sure, but they won a Grand Final and a World Club Challenge without him, and his form last season when he returned from injury was – understandably – not as good as we know from him. I think the move away will help him.
Gells? He was popular, off the field, and Wigan and Super League will miss that.
But on it he never quite shook the ‘rocks and diamonds’ tag. I’d argue he’d usually finish games in credit, even when he made mistakes; his workrate and metres were usually high.
Daniel Sarginson has returned to the Club and Gabe Hamlin has signed from Australia? What will they bring to this Wigan side?
Sarge will bring work-rate. The right-edge of Sarginson and Tom Davies may not get pulses racing but they should be effective, eating up metres – and the knock-on effect of that is their team-mates will be fresher, and in better position. They may not get all the rewards their efforts warrant.
Sam Powell has been given a half-back shirt and Wigan have options at full-back. How do you see them setting up in the backs this season?
I imagine – early on – Powell will start at half, but move to hooker when Leuluai is rested before half-time, and the knock-on effect will see Sam Tomkins switch from full-back to half-back, and Morgan Escare will come off the bench to play at full-back.
They did a similar ploy in 2011, when they accommodated Finch, Leuluaui, McIlorum and Deacon. Whether they stick with it, or change it, will presumably depend on whether it works and how fit the playmakers stay. Jake Shorrocks is also knocking on the door after a year out on the sidelines.
Who is the one to watch for Wigan this season?
Sam Tomkins. He was better than many gave him credit for when he returned to the side mid-way through last year, and he has benefited from his first full off-season in nearly a decade.
How do you seen the season panning out for Wigan overall?
There isn’t a great deal between them, Leeds, Hull FC, Cas, Warrington and St Helens. No doubt, Shaun Wane will be hoping Lady Luck cuts them a break – they have better depth and experience to cope with injuries than some – but they also need an improved attitude from what they showed at the end of the year, and at stages throughout last season.
Score prediction
Wigan to win 28-12.
Ian Watson names his 19-man squad for opening Super League fixture
Salford Head Coach Ian Watson has named his 19-man squad for the Red Devils opening Betfred Super League fixture against Wigan Warriors at the The Salford Stadium, 7:30pm kick-off.
Jack Littlejohn is in contention to make his Betfred Super League debut for the Red Devils while Luke Burgess could also make his first regular Super League start for Salford.
Robert Lui and Gareth O’Brien are also named to give Watson options in the halves.
Ryan Lannon will serve the last game of his three-match suspension. Manu Vatuvei, of course, misses out after picking up a serious Achilles injury earlier in the week.
The full squad can be seen below:
Live entertainment in the fans marquee for the Wigan game
There will be live music in the fans marquee at our Betfred Super League opener with Beth McRoy performing in the lead-up to kick-off.
The Salford RLFC Supporters’ Trust are now helping arrange entertainment for the fans marquee this season and have booked singer Beth McRoy to sing at the Wigan Warriors game on Friday night.
The Salford RLFC Supporters’ Trust have also confirmed they have taken entertainment bookings for a handful of matches so if you’d be interested contact the Supporters’ Trust or the Club directly.
This adds to a packed entertainment programme at Friday’s season opener with Cath Tyledsley and Girls That Mix in hospitality and the Red Devils looking to get off to winning ways on the field against the Warriors.
Tickets are still available to purchase for Friday’s game by visiting the Club Ticket Office, phoning 0161 786 1570 or going online here.
Salford Red Devils launch new community ticket scheme
Salford Red Devils are delighted to launch a new initiative which gives local charities, community groups and clubs the opportunity to raise money for their fantastic causes.
Registered charities, community groups and clubs get to keep 50% of the ticket value to earn vital funds for their causes.
The Salford Red Devils are now a community club and we are looking to help local people earn money for their vital causes as well as supporting the Club.
To find out more on the many ways selling Red Devils tickets can earn money for your good cause by simply email – communitytickets@salfordreddevils.net
Mark Flanagan – “I think we need to start well again”
Salford Red Devils team captain Mark Flanagan attended the 2018 Super League launch yesterday at the John Smith’s Stadium.
The loose-forward spoke to Rugby AM about Salford’s ambitions for the upcoming season and hopes the side can achieve something special this year.
Flanagan, sponsored by Sparta Lightning Services, said: “It’s been tough training.
“We’ve been doing a lot of wrestling and a lot of defence so hopefully we should start off with a good defensive record.
“We’ve got some new recruits Jack Littlejohn and Ben Nakubuwai from Australia and Luke Burgess has returned to the Club and he’s been training really well.
“Some new faces and some old faces as well who are ready to go and just hoping for the season to start tomorrow to be honest because it has been a long cold pre-season.”
“I think we need to start well again.
“If we can replicate we’ll be in a good position I think you need a bit of luck we were unlucky with injuries last year we lost a lot of key personnel at the same time.
“I think it’s just kicking on to the next level we were in a good position to do well and win some silverware last year probably fell down at the last hurdle but we’ll gain from the experience.
“I think the lads will be better prepared this season and there’s no reason why we can’t really do something special this year.”
Flanagan missed the last third of the 2017 season with a shoulder injury and is aiming to get a full season under his belt with the Red Devils this time around.
Flanagan said: “Off the field keep being happy and keep smiling and on the field just keep playing hopefully stay injury free and lets do something special and maybe win something get to a final and really kick on from last year.”
Tickets available to buy for our trip to Castleford
You can now purchase tickets for our third away game of the 2018 Betfred Super League season against Castleford at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle on Sunday 11th March.
Kick-off is set to be at 3:30pm on Sunday 11th March. All allocated tickets for Salford Red Devils supporters are standing. However, any fans needing disabled parking or seated tickets must contact Castleford directly on 01977 552674.
Salford Red Devils fans wishing to purchase tickets from the game can do so from the Club Ticket Office or by calling 0161 786 1570. Ticket prices are set to rise by £2 for any Salford supporters who don’t purchase from the The Salford Stadium and decide to pay on the day at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle.
The Red Devils will also receive 25% of any tickets purchased directly from us prior to the game. Junior Swaps are available from the The Salford Stadium Club Ticket Office.
A full list of ticket prices can be seen below:
Adult: £22
Concession (60+, Students, Under 16): £14
Junior Swap: Available from the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office.
Under 5: Free
Carer: Free
Prices will rise on match day here are those prices:
Adult: £24
Concession (60+, Students, Under 16): £16
Salford Red Devils supporters coach details will be released in due course.
You can purchase your tickets for our game against Castleford from the Club Ticket Office or over the phone on 0161 786 1570.
Tickets on sale for our clash at St Helens in March
Tickets are now on sale for our second away game of the 2018 Betfred Super League season against St Helens on Friday 2nd March.
The game is set to kick-off at 8pm at the Totally Wicked Stadium and will be your second opportunity to see the Red Devils on the road in the 2018 Super League season.
Supporters can purchase their tickets for our clash with St Helens in early March directly from the Club Ticket Office or over the phone on 0161 786 1570. Remember, Salford Red Devils receive 25% of any tickets purchased directly from the The Salford Stadium.
Salford Red Devils supporters will be situated in the East Terrace (Standing) however there are a limited number of North Stand (Seated) tickets available but at a higher price.
The full prices for East Terrace (Standing) are as follows:
Adults: £22.50
Concessions (65+, 19-21): £15.50
Youth (17-18): £13
Junior: £10
Junior Swaps: Free and available from the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office.
Under 5: Free but will need a ticket.
Carer: Free.
The full prices for North Stand (Seated) are as follows:
Adults: £25
Concession (65+, 19-21): £18.50
Youth (17-18): £15
Junior: £10
Junior Upgrade: £5
Carer: Free
For anyone needing wheelchair access please contact St Helens direct on 10744 455052. Disabled parking is limited and must be ordered via JohnMurphy@SaintsRLFC.com.
There will also be a supporter’s coach available for the trip to St Helens priced at £11 for all classes and the pick-up points are as follows:
Chandos Social Club: 5:30pm
Royal Sovereign: 5:40pm
Eccles Town Hall: 5:55pm
Dog and Partridge: 6:05pm
The Salford Stadium: 6:20pm
Fans can purchase your tickets for our away game with St Helens at the Club Ticket Office or over the phone on 0161 786 1570.
