As Salford Red Devils continue to reshape their squad for the 2019 season, we can confirm we have accepted an undisclosed offer for Craig Kopczak from a fellow Betfred Super League club.
Director of Rugby and Operations Ian Blease said: “We are in the process of forming a competitive squad for 2019 onwards which is capable of raising a few eyebrows throughout.
“Having already announced some of the biggest signings in the Club’s recent history, and with some more to come with the help of the forthcoming Squad Builder initiative, there are exciting times ahead for this prestigious Club.
“Maintaining players who are fully committed to this club is absolutely essential to the Coach and myself moving forward in the 2019 season. This club is determined to build that motivated team to compete at the top end of the Betfred Super League.”
The Club would like to thank Craig Kopczak for his services.
Tag: Craig Kopczak
Squad | Ian Watson names 19-man for Qualifiers opener
Head Coach Ian Watson has named his squad for our Qualifiers opener against Hull Kingston Rovers at KCOM Craven Park this Friday, 8pm kick-off.
New signing Joey Lussick is in line to make his Salford Red Devils debut following his arrival at the The Salford Stadium just under a fortnight ago.
Fellow Australian acquisition Jackson Hastings retains his place in the squad despite leaving the field early in his impressive debut against Leeds Rhinos in our final Betfred Super League game of the regular season.
Following a short stint on the sidelines, Kris Welham returns to the Red Devils 19-man squad to face his former club while Craig Kopczak may also feature.
Gavin Bennion and Levy Nzoungou are the two changes from the squad named to take on Leeds Rhinos a fortnight ago.
Jack Littlejohn, Logan Tomkins, George Griffin, Luke Burgess and Kriss Brining remain sidelined.
The full squad is as follows:
Kris Welham, Junior Sa’u, Niall Evalds, Robert Lui, Craig Kopczak, Josh Jones, Mark Flanagan, Lama Tasi, Ryan Lannon, Tyrone McCarthy, Ben Nakubuwai, Josh Wood, Derrell Olpherts, Lee Mossop, Jake Bibby, Daniel Murray, Ed Chamberlain, Jackson Hastings, Joey Lussick.
We Need You!
Save money by purchasing your tickets online for our games against Widnes and Toronto.
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Foundation | Book on the Master Class Rugby Camps now
There is now limited time to book on the Salford Red Devils Foundation’s excellent Master Class Rugby Camps.
Junior Sa’u, Mark Flanagan, Jack Littlejohn, Luke Burgess, Rob Lui, Lee Mossop, Josh Wood, Craig Kopczak, Niall Evalds, Logan Tomkins, Jake Bibby and Gavin Bennion will all be taking the session allowing you to learn from the best!
The sessions include position specific mater classes delivered by the Salford Red Devils first team as well as fitness training in the first team gym, skills technique, wrestling and games.
The first sessions will take place for Year 9 and 10’s on Tuesday 7th and 8th August. The Year 7 and 8 sessions are on Tuesday 14th August and Wednesday 15th August while the final sessions for Year 5 and 6 will take place on Tuesday 21st August and Wednesday 22nd August.
All sessions will take place at the The Salford Stadium between 10am and 3pm and cost £60 per person.
If you’d like to book a place on the Master Class Rugby Camp contact Joanne.Shepherd@salfordreddevils.net or call 0161 786 1591.
Squad | Ian Watson names 19-man for trip to France
Head Coach Ian Watson has named his 19-man squad that will travel to Perpignan to face Catalans Dragons on Saturday.
Fullback Niall Evalds returns to the squad following a nine-week spell on the sideliens after breaking a bone in his leg in April’s victory over Wakefield Trinity.
Ed Chamberlain – who has started at fullback in the past two fixtures – retains his place in the side for the trip to Catalans.
French forward Levy Nzoungou made his second appearance – and his home debut – last Friday against Castleford Tigers and could make it back-to-back appearances this weekend.
Ben Nakubuwai returned to the team last weekend and will be looking to retain his place in France.
Craig Kopczak is named in the squad but is unlikely to feature as the forward hasn’t fully recovered from a quadricep injury. Luke Burgess is the one change to the side as he is still struggling with a knee injury.
The full squad is as follows:
Junior Sa’u, Niall Evalds, Rob Lui, Craig Kopczak, Josh Jones, Mark Flanagan, Lama Tasi, Ryan Lannon, Tyrone McCarthy, Ben Nakubuwai, Josh Wood, Derrell Olpherts, Lee Mossop, Jake Bibby, Levy Nzoungou, Daniel Murray, Jake Shorrocks, Ed Chamberlain, Greg Burke.
Ready for the Rhinos!
Purchase your tickets for our game with Leeds on Friday 27th July from the Club Ticket Office, on 0161 786 1570 or by simply clicking HERE.
Community | Master Class Rugby Camp in August
The Salford Red Devils Foundation are offering Master Class Rugby Camps this August for Years 5 through to 10 with a host of Red Devils first teamers in attendance.
Junior Sa’u, Mark Flanagan, Jack Littlejohn, Luke Burgess, Rob Lui, Lee Mossop, Josh Wood, Craig Kopczak, Niall Evalds, Logan Tomkins, Jake Bibby and Gavin Bennion will all be taking the session allowing you to learn from the best!
The sessions include position specific mater classes delivered by the Salford Red Devils first team as well as fitness training in the first team gym, skills technique, wrestling and games.
The first sessions will take place for Year 9 and 10’s on Tuesday 7th and 8th August. The Year 7 and 8 sessions are on Tuesday 14th August and Wednesday 15th August while the final sessions for Year 5 and 6 will take place on Tuesday 21st August and Wednesday 22nd August.
All sessions will take place at the The Salford Stadium between 10am and 3pm and cost £60 per person.
If you’d like to book a place on the Master Class Rugby Camp contact Joanne.Shepherd@salfordreddevils.net or call 0161 786 1591.
Ready for the Rhinos!
Purchase your tickets for our game with Leeds on Friday 27th July from the Club Ticket Office, on 0161 786 1570 or by simply clicking HERE.
Preview | Salford Red Devils vs Castleford Tigers | Friday 13th July
The Red Devils host Castleford Tigers at the The Salford Stadium this coming Friday as Ian Watson’s men look to return to winning ways following last week’s disappointing defeat at Hull Kingston Rovers.
Last time out
Salford dominated the early stages at KCOM Craven Park and raced into a 6-0 lead as Greg Johnson bulldozed his way over the whitewash. Ed Chamberlain marked his first start for the club with three goals, but Johnson’s effort proved to be the visitors’ sole score in the first period.
After the break, Junior Sa’u managed to claim two well worked tries before Jake Bibby crossed in the dying minutes of the contest.
60' – Try Salford! Junior Sa'u slices through a gap in the Hull KR defence to cross for his second of the afternoon.
(52-14)#SLHKRSal pic.twitter.com/Ml3CX5DgEk
— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) July 8, 2018
Unfortunately for Salford though, the hosts proved too hot to handle. Danny McGuire claimed a sublime hat-trick, Will Oakes crossed for a double, whilst Ryan Shaw, Adam Quinlan, James Greenwood and Joel Tomkins also touched down to condemn the Devils to defeat.
Castleford meanwhile, head into the showdown in fine form after pummelling Leeds Rhinos at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle in their last fixture. Highly-rated youngster Jake Trueman scored twice whilst Jesse Sene-Lefao also crossed for a brace of his own.
Leeds – who were under the stewardship of new management team Kevin Sinfield and James Lowes for the very first time – did manage to conjure up 10 points thanks to Tom Briscoe’s double and a goal from Liam Sutcliffe but Cas proved too superior.
Daryl Powell’s side were in a ruthless mood and found themselves over on three further occasions as the recently injured Greg Eden, Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e and Matt Cook all touched down. Leeds did lose captain Stevie Ward to injury early in the second half, but by then, the damage has already been done.
Form
Salford have endured mixed fortunes in recent weeks, first the Red Devils returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion after triumphing 26-12 over Widnes Vikings to earn a crucial victory at the The Salford Stadium.
Two weeks later, Watson’s side travelled to nearby Warrington and competed with the Wolves for the majority of the fixture. Jack Littlejohn had arguably his best performance in a Salford shirt, after crossing for two tries, but the Australian’s night would end in disaster after rupturing his bicep.
Jake Bibby finished off a stunning team move by diving over in front of the travelling Salford faithful, but Warrington struck five times in the final 30 minutes to put the game to bed. Salford then conceded 9 tries at Hull KR just over a week later.
Castleford on the other hand, have lost just two of their last eight fixtures. The Tigers ran riot over Leeds at the Magic Weekend, secured further victories over Hull KR, Warrington, Wigan Warriors, before sentencing the Rhinos to another defeat last weekend.
The Tigers are an unpredictable side though, Powell’s men have been heavily beaten by both St Helens and the Catalans Dragons over the last two months, with each racking up 40 points or more against last year’s League Leaders Shield winners. Cas also drew 24-all with Hull KR four weeks ago and will be wary of the various threats Salford could potentially impose on Friday Evening.
Head-to-Head
In this week’s head-to-head we pit forwards Mark Flanagan and Grant Millington against each other as we take a closer look into the pair’s impact within their respective sides.
Flanagan – who joined the Red Devils in 2016 from St Helens – has heavily impressed during his time at the The Salford Stadium. Despite missing the majority of the Super 8s last season through a shoulder injury, ‘Flash’ is a highly influential player within the squad and his ball-playing style sees him act as a third half-back in the majority of the Red Devils’ plays.
The 30-year-old is a creative player who brings a level of class and experience to the team’s attack and defence, which has seen him emerge as a consistent performer for yet another season.
👏 How about those hands!
🏉 @LoganTomkins ➡️ Rob Lui ➡️ @NEvalds1993 ➡️ @Mark_Flash_Flan ➡️ @JDJones26. pic.twitter.com/d7NQJmh8Lp
— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) March 31, 2018
Millington joined the Tigers from the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2012, the 31-year-old is of a similar mould to Flanagan and despite not always featuring at loose-forward, the Aussie is always involved in his side’s plays.
Both Flanagan and Millington are highly experienced veterans and whichever side comes out on top on Friday evening, it is almost a certainty that one of the duo will have been heavily involved throughout.
Team News
Greg Johnson – who opened the scoring for Salford during last week’s defeat to the Robins – misses out on this week’s squad after being leaving the field prematurely last time out. Hooker Logan Tomkins also leaves the 19-man squad after picking up an injury in the same clash.
The duo are replaced by Luke Burgess – who has been out of action since the 30-0 defeat to Wigan in early May – and Craig Kopczak.
As for the visitors, Jamie Ellis is replaced in the Tigers’ 19-man squad and is replaced by promising back-rower Kieran Gill. Gill, 22, has spent time on-loan at League One side Oldham in recent times and impressed enough to earn a recall. In other news, Joe Wardle returns to the fold at the expense of Nathan Massey.
Squads
Salford: Junior Sa’u, Robert Lui, Craig Kopczak, Josh Jones, Mark Flanagan, Lama Tasi, Ryan Lannon, Luke Burgess, Tyrone McCarthy, Ben Nakubuwai, Josh Wood, Derrell Olpherts, Lee Mossop, Jake Bibby, Levy Nzoungou, Daniel Murray, Jake Shorrocks, Ed Chamberlain, Greg Burke.
Castleford: James Clare, Mitch Clark, Matt Cook, Greg Eden, Tuoyo Egodo, Kieran Gill, Oliver Holmes, Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e, Paul McShane, Grant Millington, Adam Milner, Junior Moors, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Michael Shenton, Gadwin Springer, Jake Trueman, Liam Watts, Joe Wardle, Jake Webster.
Table Permutations
A Salford Red Devils victory could see them climb a place to 10th in the Betfred Super League table, providing Hull KR fail to secure any points at Widnes. 9th place Leeds entertain local rivals Wakefield Trinity at the Emerald Headingley Stadium – and alongside a Red Devils win – a Trinity victory could see Salford move to within a point of the Rhinos.
Castleford currently occupy third spot in the table, three points adrift of Wigan. However, a win for Powell’s side could see them reduce the gap between the sides to a single point, if the Warriors lose at Huddersfield.
Squad | Ian Watson names his 19-man squad for visit of Castleford
Salford Red Devils Head Coach Ian Watson has named his 19-man squad to take on Castleford Tigers at the The Salford Stadium on Friday evening, 8pm kick-off.
Ed Chamberlain retains his place in the squad after making his first start for the Red Devils at Hull Kingston Rovers last Sunday. Levy Nzoungou is also named in the 19-man squad again and could feature on Friday evening.
Ben Nakubuwai – who was the 18th man against Hull Kingston Rovers – could move back into the team after being listed in this week’s squad. Josh Jones and Tyrone McCarthy will continue in the squad after making a successful returns last weekend.
Greg Johnson misses out after picking up a foot injury this past weekend against Hull Kingston Rovers while Logan Tomkins has also picked up a foot injury and will be absent for Friday’s game.
Jack Littlejohn is out with a ruptured bicep but did undergo successful surgery last Saturday. Niall Evalds and Kriss Brining are also still recovering from injuries.
Craig Kopczak and Luke Burgess are both named but are unlikely to feature after carrying knocks in recent weeks.
The Tigers are in Town, but we’ll roar louder!
Tickets for our next home game against Castleford Tigers on Friday 13th July are available to purchase at the Club Ticket Office, over the phone or online here.
The full squad can be seen below:
Squad | Ian Watson names 19-man to take on KR at KCOM Craven Park
Head Coach Ian Watson has named his 19-man squad for Sunday’s Betfred Super League tie with Hull Kingston Rovers at KCOM Craven Park.
Ed Chamberlain could be set to make his first start since arriving at Salford last month. Josh Jones returns to the side following an ankle issue while Tyrone McCarthy is also named after a stint on the sideline.
Levy Nzoungou is named in the squad and could make his second Betfred Super League appearance for the Red Devils. Greg Johnson may also return to the starting seventeen.
Jack Littlejohn is absent and is set to undergo surgery on a ruptured bicep on Saturday while Kris Welham is recovering from surgery on a finger injury.
Craig Kopczak is still struggling with an injured quadricep as confirmed by Ian Watson in last week’s post-match press conference which can be seen here.
Niall Evalds and Kriss Brining both remain sidelined.
Here is the squad in full:
Preview | Warrington Wolves vs Salford Red Devils | Friday 29th June
The Red Devils travel to the Halliwell Jones Stadium to face Warrington Wolves in search of back-to-back victories following a crucial win over Widnes Vikings two weeks ago.
Last time out
Salford returned to winning ways a fortnight ago with a 26-12 victory over Widnes Vikings at the The Salford Stadium in a game which saw the Red Devils fight back after going into the interval behind.
Ian Watson’s men scored 18 unanswered points after the break with Jake Bibby, debutant Greg Burke – against his parent club – and Rob Lui all scoring with the final try coming following Chris Houston’s red card for dissent.
Kris Welham crossed for a brace in the first half before being sin-binned while Tom Gilmore and Patrick Ah Van were the Vikings’ try-scorers.
Warrington narrowly edged out Wakefield in their last Betfred Super League outing but had raced into a 20-0 lead thanks to scores from Stefan Ratchford and Tom Lineham. Tinirau Aruna was Trinity’s only scorer in the first half.
Kyle Wood’s double closed the gap further however Kevin Brown kept Warrington in control. Sita Akauloa was sent for ten minutes following a high tackle and Trinity took advantage crossing via Tom Johnstone and Pauli Pauli but there wasn’t enough time to finish a comeback as the Wolves maintained their position inside the top four.
Form
Salford returned to winning ways against Widnes Vikings at the The Salford Stadium following a tough run throughout the month of May. The Red Devils were unfortunate to lose out to Catalans and Huddersfield before a spirited second half performance against Hull FC. The hard work paid off as Salford earned a vital two points against the Vikings.
Despite still sitting inside the top four, Warrington have had a mixed bag of results since the start of May. They earned impressive victories against Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC either side of a disappointing Dacia Magic Weekend showing against Wigan Warriors.
Since, they have been narrowly edged out by Castleford Tigers by four points before then pipping Wakefield Trinity by two points at the Mobile Rocket Stadium. The Wolves have won four of their last five games at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Head-to-Head
In this week’s head-to-head we pit centres Kris Welham and Bryson Goodwin against each other as both put in Man of the Match performances in their last outings.
Welham – who has missed just one game for the Red Devils in 2018 – crossed for a first half brace against Widnes with his second marking 150 career tries. The experienced centre has continued his form into his second season with the Club and has been consistent in both attack and defence.
👏 Congratulations to @KrisWelham who crossed for his 1⃣5⃣0⃣th career try last night with this effort! pic.twitter.com/iIcSzskdjA
— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) June 15, 2018
Goodwin joined Warrington from Leigh Centurions at the start of the 2018 season and has proven a solid addition. The Kiwi caused a lot of issues for Trinity out wide a fortnight ago as well as kicking three pivotal goals.
Kris Welham was one of the standout performances against Wire earlier in the season as noted in our ‘Stat Pack’ following the game. Both Welham and Goodwin are veterans and whichever centre can cause the opposition the most issues could see their side come out on top on Friday evening.
Team News
Mark Flanagan – who missed out on the victory over Widnes with concussion – returns to the squad alongside Lee Mossop who could also re-enter the team. Craig Kopczak and Tyrone McCarthy are the two players who leave the 19-man squad which was named to take on Widnes a fortnight ago.
Harvey Livett is likely to miss a few weeks for the Wolves while Ryan Atkins is also sidelined. Warrington have also decided to rest Chris Hill and Stefan Ratchford who both featured in England’s test win over New Zealand in Denver last weekend.
Squads
Warrington: Sitaleki Akauola, Kevin Brown, Mitch Brown, Josh Charnley, Daryl Clark, Mike Cooper, Dom Crosby, Bryson Goodwin, Jack Hughes, George King, Toby King, Tom Lineham, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Dec Patton, Joe Philbin, Ben Pomeroy, Tyrone Roberts, Morgan Smith, Ben Westwood.
Salford: Greg Johnson, Kris Welham, Junior Sa’u, Robert Lui, Jack Littlejohn, Logan Tomkins, George Griffin, Mark Flanagan, Lama Tasi, Ryan Lannon, Ben Nakubuwai, Josh Wood, Derrell Olpherts, Lee Mossop, Jake Bibby, Daniel Murray, Jake Shorrocks, Ed Chamberlain, Greg Burke.
Table Permutations
A Salford Red Devils victory could see them climb up to 9th in the Betfred Super League table dependant on Catalans Dragons result against Castleford Tigers. Hull KR sit in 11th place but a victory for the Robins wouldn’t see them move above Salford.
Warrington – similarly to the Red Devils – can’t move down the Betfred Super League table even if Hull FC overcome Widnes Vikings. However, Steve Price’s side can overtake Castleford if the Tigers lose to Catalans Dragons and the Wolves win.
Squad | Red Devils welcome back duo for Wolves clash
Head Coach Ian Watson has named his 19-man squad for Friday’s trip to the Halliwell Jones Stadium to take on Warrington Wolves.
Mark Flanagan – who missed out on the victory over Widnes with concussion – returns to the squad alongside Lee Mossop who could also re-enter the team.
Greg Burke and Ed Chamberlain both retain their places after successful debuts against their parent club Widnes Vikings with prop-forward Burke crossing for a crucial try.
💪 Great try from @GregBurke93 on debut!
Watch all the tries here ➡️ https://t.co/C0Gh7Eb7aL pic.twitter.com/5cqEOgswyA
— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) June 15, 2018
Jack Littlejohn who has featured at fullback in the absence of Niall Evalds is also named and could retain his spot at the back.
Craig Kopczak and Tyrone McCarthy are the two players who leave the 19-man squad which was named to take on Widnes a fortnight ago.
Supporters can purchase tickets from the Club Ticket Office and over the phone on 0161 786 1570. For more information on ticket prices, time they are on sale until at the The Salford Stadium and offers for the game please click here.
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