Salford Red Devils forward Greg Burke believes tomorrow’s Dacia Magic Weekend opener against Castleford Tigers at St James’ Park, provides the perfect tonic to put on a display for the travelling fans.
Burke, who has shared the armband with Kevin Brown over recent weeks since Lee Mossop’s retirement, has revealed that the mood in the camp this week has been positive, as the Red Devils look to build on their Bank Holiday bruising over Hull FC, in Newcastle tomorrow afternoon.
Burke said: “It’s a showcase for the Super League and we have spoken about that this week, about how it’s somewhere we can go and express ourselves.
“All the games are on Sky and we want to put in a good performance first and foremost for ourselves, but also for the fans and the viewers watching.”
Recently surpassing 200 career appearances, Burke has been a Salford player for two years now, excluding his loan spell in 2018, helping the side reach the 2019 Betfred Super League Grand Final in his first season as a permanent Red Devil, and the Betfred Challenge Cup Final last year.
Salford’s number 16 is one of the more senior players in the camp and has stepped up since Moose’s retirement.
Speaking on captaining the club recently, Burke said: “It’s been a massive honour to be seen as a leader.
“To be asked to be captain, I was happy to accept that. I’ve been really happy to be honest.”
Burke revealed that the team have been fully focused on tomorrow’s opponents, who will be fielding an almost full strength side in Newcastle, compared to the last Tigers side that were on the receiving end of a 70-18 thrashing at the hands of Marshall’s men in July.
Speaking on Castleford, Burke added: “It’ll be a massively different challenge this week. It’s a Cas team that are at the best strength they can be.
“We know we have to be on this week to give ourselves a chance, and that’s what we’ve spoke about.”
Head Coach Ian Watson has named his 19-man squad for Sundayβs trip to the Mend-A-Hose Jungle to face Castleford Tigers, 3:30pm kick-off.
Adam Walker is now eligible to play for Salford Red Devils and is named in this weekendβs squad in place of Greg Burke. The former Scotland international will be hopeful of making his debut for the Red Devils.
Jake Bibby retains his place in the 19-man squad after a sensational performance at Catalans which saw him score twice and claim two try-assists. Daniel Murray is again included after another impressive showing in the south of France. Tickets are stillΒ available for Sunday’s visit to Castleford from the The Salford StadiumΒ Ticket Office up until 4pm on Saturday 16th March. Purchase in advance and save money! Here is the 19-man squad in full:
Earlier this week Salford Red Devils visited local primary school St Phillipβs C of E to read to the children as part of the World Book Week.
Salford stars Rob Lui, Joey Lussick, Mark Flanagan, Ken Sio, Lee Mossop and Greg Burke were accompanied by Head Coach Ian Watson and read to age groups from Reception to Year 5. The Red Devils were promoting reading at a young age and the importance of having male role models to the next generation.
The lads read books on a range of topics from dinosaurs to grandparents with Greg Burke getting through three books and Rob Lui staying behind to continue reading to his class who loved the βStar Manβsβ entertainment.
Head Coach, Ian Watson, said: βItβs fantastic to have the lads out in the community and doing activities with youngsters such as reading to them as part of World Book Week.
βWeβve got a great group of players at the moment who are more than willing to put themselves out into the community of Salford and promote fantastic initiatives such as this.
βIt is important that children are reading from a young age and having positive male role models showing them that reading is enjoyable and beneficial can only help promote that in and around Salford.β
Remember, if you have a child under the age of 11, they can claim a FREE Junior Season Ticket for the remainder of our 2019 Betfred Super League season. Just visit the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office or call 0161 786 1570 now.
Salford Red Devils fell to a 4-26 defeat at the hands of St Helens on Thursday evening and there were a number of talking points from the game.
Attitude
While the result wasnβt the one the Red Devils were looking for the performance was certainly a positive one as Salford put up a resilient display full of βeffort and endeavourβ as Watson referenced in his post-match press conference.
The first half saw a real back-and-forth affair for the first twenty minutes before Saints opened up a lead heading into the break. However, much like large periods of the first half, Salford matched the current Super League leaders for most of the second half but just couldnβt open up the St Helens defence.
Salfordβs defence remained strong for long spells of the game in comparison with their last home outing against Leeds Rhinos. If there were two moments that encapsulated the βnever-say-dieβ attitude they were certainly Ken Sio and Niall Evalds hunting down Tommy Makinson as he broke free and Jackson Hastings pulling off a sensational defensive effort on Makinson also as he went to score in the corner.
There is no doubting that if the levels of effort and desire remain the same next week in France that Salford will be confident of coming away from the Stade Gilbert Brutus with two points.Β
Injuries
It was a tough evening at the office for the Red Devils and that showed in the warm-up as George Griffin had to pull out of the starting line-up with a hamstring problem and was replaced by Daniel Murray.
The injury woes continued for Salford in the early stages as Captain Lee Mossop had to leave the field after just five minutes with a similar injury meaning Salford had to play a huge period of the game with 16 men.
Greg Burke also had to leave the field with for a concussion assessment which meant Gil Dudson returned to the pitch almost immediately after coming off to the interchange bench. Jackson Hastings also missed the final ten minutes of the game as he also needed to undergo a concussion assessment. The game may well have gone a different way had Salford had some better luck with injuries on the night.
Lee Mossop and George Griffin are both being monitored ahead of this weekendβs game against Catalans while Greg Burke and Jackson Hastings will also be looking to be in contention to make the 19-man squad. Β
Jansin Turgut
The acquisition of Jansin Turgut last season and his re-signing in the off-season may be one that had slipped under the radar with the other incomings however the Turkish international has put in some sterling performances thus far in the 2019 Betfred Super League.
Turgut was named as the Man of the Match by match sponsor Middleton Barton Group. The back-rower managed to earn an impressive 100 metres during Thursday eveningβs game and also racked up a fantastic 44 defensive efforts. He was also prevented his first Red Devils try by a matter of inches in the first half.
The 22-year-old is definitely making an impression at the The Salford Stadium during his first full month of game time and he will be looking to carry his fine form into March and onwards.
Gameday shenanigans
Ahead of kick-off, special guests Jackson Yamba and his ten-year-old son David brought the matchball onto the field to an absolutely amazing reception and the Salford Red Devils fans displayed the true meaning of the Salford community!Β
Half-time of yesterdayβs game saw the debut of βWild Thangβs Wild Five Minutesβ with Dr Devil firing t-shirts into the crowd thanks to our brand-new t-shirt cannon with one lucky fan winning a golden ticket for a fabulous prize at our next home game.
Thursdayβs game also saw the Salford University Takeover Day with a number of students, staff and alumni attending in both a professional capacity in the press area and as supporters. There was also a heavy Salford University presence in and around the The Salford Stadium as a major step between one our main partners for 2019.
Tickets for Salford Red Devils next two home fixtures against WiganΒ Warriors on 24th March and Hull FC on 7th April areΒ bothΒ available to purchase at the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office, over the phone on 0161 7861 570 or online HERE. YouΒ can SAVEΒ money by purchasing in advance!
Salford Red Devils moved to the top of the Betfred Super League table following a 24-0 victory over London Broncos and Head Coach Ian Watson was pleased with various aspects of the win.Β
On the result following a tough weekβ¦
Happy to get the week over with really. Weβve had a tough week. A lot of the lads have been down with the flu, so much so that I had to cancel training on Thursday afternoon. Rob Lui was a doubt for the game as he was struggling with it on Saturday. What the lads have done is outstanding earning the victory over London.
On the gameβ¦
We knew not to underestimate London. Both times weβve played them while Iβve been here, and weβve played them in The Qualifiers weβve been beat. We know theyβre a dogged team and we knew that it didnβt matter if we got a lead on them whether that be 6-0 or 18-0 like Wakefield found out last week. You have to defend well and be on it to beat London, every week youβve got to be right to play a team like London, so we knew exactly what theyβd bring and the fact that weβve done the job proves that weβre a better team than we were last year.
On the defenceβ¦Β
We spoke a lot about the defence in the build-up, history shows you that teams who defend well win games and competitions. It is something weβve worked really hard on. I thought it was led really well by Niall Evalds from the back who is the boss of our defensive line and I thought his goal-line efforts were outstanding. To defend as well as we did do as a team and keep London Broncos to a nil was a massive effect and it bodes well for the team.
On proving people wrongβ¦
If you listen to the pundits on Sky Sports the other day, we shouldnβt be in the league the way they were talking but thatβs for people to have their opinions. People said us and London would be down there and getting relegated. Weβre only two games in and weβre not getting carried away, but weβll see who is right at the end of the season.
On next weekβs game against Leedsβ¦
Theyβll be coming here ready to play and theyβll be fired up. Theyβve got a new coach and despite losing their opening two games theyβll come to play and theyβre still a strong team. Theyβve had a tough opening with the games that theyβve had but weβre confident as a group, we donβt need to shout about it we just need to go about our business and do the job.
On the new signingsβ¦
That was a big thing for us – would our new signings make the team better? They definitely have done on and off the field. Ken Sio is great around the place and is brilliant with the younger guys, heβs fitted in well. Greg Burke is like a new signing this year as well alongside Gil Dudson and theyβve all added to us and given us a better edge to us as a team.
On any injury concernsβ¦Β
No, I think weβve come through okay. Mark Flanagan didnβt come back on due to back spasms but I think thatβs just old age with Flash!
Salford Red Devils 2019 Season Tickets are stillΒ available to purchase from the Club Ticket Office, over theΒ phone on 0161 786 1570 or online HERE.Β You can spread the cost via Direct Debit payments, for more details, click HERE. Season Tickets will now be at a reduced price on a pro-rata basis.
Salford Red Devils opened their 2019 Betfred Super League season with an impressive victory over Huddersfield Giants at the John Smith’s Stadium and there were plenty of talking points from the game.
Dangerous left-hand side
The Red Devils ran in seven tries in their 14-34 victory with five coming down the left-hand side. Two of Niall Evaldsβ three tries were down the left-hand flank while Junior Saβu opened the scoring and Ken Sio grabbed a brace on his debut on the same side.
Jackson Hastings and Evalds combined on numerous occasions throughout the game after quick ball from the likes of Greg Burke, Mark Flanagan and Joey Lussick. Evalds was the standout performer cutting through the Giants line on numerous occasions as well as setting up one of Sioβs two tries.
π Quick hands wide to @Ken_Sio1 who scores on debut!
πΉ You can now watch all the tries from last night's 14-34 opening round victory over @GiantsRL.
Saβu had to leave the field midway through the first half with a rib injury with Jansin Turgut moving into the centres. The Turkish international looked just as comfortable as Saβu as he set up the first of Sioβs double.
Mossopβs massive minutes
In his post-match press conference, Head Coach Ian Watson pointed to Captain Lee Mossop as a massive contributor to the victory as the prop-forward played sixty minutes for the Red Devils.
Mossop was a constant presence in the middle of the park. The former England international got through a lot of hard yards while keeping a powerful Giants pack quiet for the most part.Β
Huddersfield β Happy hunting groundΒ
Last nightβs victory marked the sixth consecutive victory at the John Smithβs Stadium for the Red Devils. It is also now the third consecutive season in which Salfordβs first away victory of the Betfred Super League season has come at the John Smithβs Stadium.
It is also Salfordβs first victory in Round One of the Betfred Super League since 2014 when the Red Devils overcame Wakefield Trinity 18-14 at the The Salford Stadium.
The away following
The Salford Red Devils faithful turned out in strong numbers for the opening game of the 2019 Betfred Super League season with both Ian Watson and Niall Evalds praising the following from the supporters.
Tonight they brought a superb performance and about 1500 away fans. Brilliant. Well done all. pic.twitter.com/c2tgIJkB89
— Forty20LIVE – Rugby League Podcasts & Videos (@Forty20LIVE) February 1, 2019
The away following was extremely similar to that of last seasonβs trip to Halifax and were loud and proud throughout. The Red Devils host London Broncos on Sunday 10th February and will be looking for some more terrific support.
Salford Red Devils Head Coach Ian Watson spoke to the press following a 18-28 defeat to Wigan Warriors in a pre-season friendly. Hereβs what he had to say on a range of topics post-match.Β
On the game and facing Wiganβ¦
Yeah it was brilliant. It was exactly what we wanted with the lift in intensity. We knew Wigan would bring that, having the game against Swinton last week got us back into gameplay with the fitness and contact elements and then against Wigan we knew it was about coming against the intensity weβll have to face week in and week out in the Super League. It was perfect preparation for us.
On Jackson Hastings leaving the field earlyβ¦
He just had a little twinge from the Swinton game, so we didnβt want to overwork him. To be fair, he did more than we expected today because he was feeling good, so we worked off him. We didnβt want to risk anybody we didnβt need to. Obviously, Jackson is an important part of our team.
On Ed Chamberlainβs injuryβ¦
Ed looks like heβs the one who may have sustained a syndesmosis or something like that, so we just need to get that checked out. A syndesmosis can be any length of time out depending on how bad the grade is. It could be up to twelve weeks, but weβll see where he is and hopefully itβs not that bad.
On Rob Lui leaving the field earlyβ¦
Robbie is fine. He just clashed with Jansin Turgut in a tackle. He had another minute to do, I think he just wanted to come off there. He knew how long he had left to do so he came off a little bit earlier than we wanted him to.
On knowing his starting side for Huddersfieldβ¦.
I more or less know it. With our group weβve been able to build it over a couple of years in what we want with the characters in our team and how we want to play. Weβve been able to recruit a little bit better this year in terms of the players whoβve weβve had to choose from. Weβve brought players in who can play the way we want to, and weβre really pleased with the guys weβve brought in.
On Niall Evaldsβ versatility…
I thought Niall was outstanding. He was a little bit like a Darren Lockyer out there playing full-back and stand-off. Heβs really developed again this year. Weβre just covering bases a little bit and looking at a few things because we need to deal with it if we get an injury to a half or a nine throughout the season. I thought Niall and Rob linked up well and we even had Greg Burke at hooker with Joey Lussick in the halves at one point. Weβve got options to manoeuvre things about which is important for us at a Club that doesnβt have the biggest of squads.
On Connor Davies-Aspeyβ¦
Connor has been brilliant. His is a bit more of baby steps as he still has a lot of developing to do. I think the progression will be probably looking to play at Championship or maybe League One, if thereβs a side whoβll take a shot on him. He just needs to develop. Thatβs the difference between the U19βs and Reserves now. Years ago, there were a lot of 16-year-olds who could come through and play first team because theyβd played against men already. Connorβs first game against men was last weekend against Swinton. I had to be very careful as there were a few occasions I could have thrown him on but with the likes of Tony Clubb Joe Greenwood, Liam Farrell and Ben Flower who are physical and big specimens to have thrown Connor in front of those would have been a big ask. He just needs to develop his path the right way.
Salford Red Devils 2019 Season Tickets are stillΒ available to purchase from the Club Ticket Office, over theΒ phone on 0161 786 1570 or online HERE.You can spread the cost via Direct Debit payments, for more details, click HERE.
Salford Red Devils are delighted to reveal our squads playing numbers ahead of the 2019 season.
Ken Sio is set to wear 23 following his arrival at the The Salford Stadium. Gil Dudson has been named at number ten while fellow new signings Adam Lawton and Adam Walker will wear 25 and 15, respectively.
Josh Wood β who was last yearβs Young Player of the Year β has moved to number nine. Fellow youngster Jake Bibby has moved to number five.
Greg Burke and Ed Chamberlain who arrived midway through 2017 have been given 16 and two.
Jackson Hastings will remain as number 31, the number he wore when originally joining the Club in July. Joey Lussick will wear 14.
Niall Evalds has moved to number one, the position he occupied for the majority of last season. The full squad list and sponsors are as follows:
Niall Evalds sponsored by The Dog & Partridge
Ed Chamberlain sponsored by Sparta Lightning Services
Kris Welham sponsored by Process Gas Services
Junior Saβu sponsored by FAC Site Services
Jake Bibby sponsored by Executive VPA
Robert Lui sponsored by Steadfast Epoxy Flooring
N/A
Β Lee Mossop sponsored by Austin Wilkinson
Josh Wood sponsored by SRD Roofing
Gil Dudson sponsored PH Services
Josh Jones sponsored by Oakwood Engineering
George Griffin sponsored by SuperJosh
Mark Flanagan sponsored by Sparta Lightning Services
Joey Lussick sponsored by Salmon King
Adam Walker
Greg Burke sponsored by Kinpaja
Tyrone McCarthy sponsored by Arlec Property Services
Ben Nakubuwai sponsored by Sparta Lightning Services
Logan Tomkins sponsored by PH Services
Daniel Murray sponsored by Juniper Gin Bar
Greg Johnson sponsored by CD Brick & Stone
Derrell Olpherts sponsored by Gold Line Draw
Ken Sio sponsored by Advanced Steel
Jansin Turgut sponsored by Acrobat FCSM
Adam Lawton sponsored by Murray Metals
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Jackson Hastings sponsored by Advanced Steel
Remember, for the best value for money you can still purchase a Salford Red Devils 2019 Season Ticket from the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office, over the phone on 0161 786 1570 or by simply clicking online HERE. You can spread the cost of your 2019 Season Ticket over seven easy, manageable monthly payments via our Direct Debit payment scheme. To purchase your 2019 Season Ticket via Direct Debit please visit the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office or call 0161 786 1570. Please remember the Direct Debit option is not available via online purchases.
Head Coach Ian Watson has named his 19-man squad for Sundayβs trip to the MBi Shay to take on Halifax in the Red Devils third Qualifiers fixture.
Luke Burgess returns to the squad following a lay-off with a knee injury and could be in line to play his first game since defeat against Wigan Warriors on Friday 4th May.
Tyrone McCarthy also returns after missing the victory over Widnes Vikings a fortnight ago. Daniel Murray is also named in the 19-man squad. Greg Burke retains selection after making his return to the team against his former side two weeks ago.
Kris Welham also retains his place in the side following his return from injury last time out and you can listen to what the centre had to say about this weekendβs game below.
You can still purchase tickets for Sundayβs game at the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office or over the phone on 0161 786 1570 with Salford Red Devils retaining 25% of your purchase. Tickets will go off sale at the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office on Saturday 1st September at 4pm. Click HERE for ticket prices and Supportersβ Coach details. The full squad is as follows: Β
Kris Welham, Junior Saβu, Niall Evalds, Robert Lui, Josh Jones, Mark Flanagan, Lama Tasi, Ryan Lannon, Luke Burgess, Tyrone McCarthy, Ben Nakubuwai, Josh Wood, Derrell Olpherts, Jake Bibby, Daniel Murray, Ed Chamberlain, Greg Burke, Jackson Hastings, Joey Lussick.
After earning their first Qualifiers victory at Hull Kingston Rovers last weekend, Salford head into this week’s showdown with Widnes knowing that another win will dramatically enhance the club’s bid to retain its top flight status.Β Last Time Out
Following a memorable triumph over the Leeds Rhinos two weeks prior, Salford produced another impressive display to annihilate Hull Kingston Rovers 10-28 on their own turf.
Debutant Joey Lussick starred in his maiden outing for the Red Devils and claimed a well deserved try in the second period. The hooker’s score combined with further efforts fromΒ Niall Evalds, Robert Lui and Josh Wood ensured Ian Watsonβs side got off to a flyer in the seven-game competition and earned two crucial points.
As for the visitors, Widnes have endured a miserable campaign. Francis Cummins were unable to boost their relegation fight from their opening Qualifiers tie as Betfred Championship side London Broncos came from behind to pick up a shock 20-21 victory at the Select Security Stadium.
Jarrod Sammut’s late drop-goal condemned the Vikings to their 17th successive defeat and ensured Interim Head Coach Cummins is still searching for his first win in charge, despite arriving at the club two months ago. Form
The two sides couldn’t have more contrasting fortunes if we’d have tried. The arrivals of Jackson Hastings and Joey Lussick have helped the Red Devils on their way to picking up two emphatic wins in as many games. The pair both scored on their respective debuts and have proved to spearhead Salford’s new look attacking spine alongside Robert Lui and Niall Evalds.
— Salford Red Devils πΉ (@SalfordDevils) July 29, 2018
Widnes meanwhile, are in a poor run of form. Cummins’ men are without a win since beating Salford 24-16 back in March. The Vikings have racked up just six points throughout the current Betfred Super League campaign – an abysmal feat for the seven time Challenge Cup winners.
The club had hoped that the recent acquisitions of Wakefield Trinity – and Ireland international half-back – Liam Finn, NRL prop forward Charlie Gubb and former Salford captain Harrison Hansen would help transform the club’s fortunes. But if last week’s defeat to the Broncos is anything to go by, the club’s fan-base is in for an inconsolable end to the season. Head-to-Head
This week’s head-to-head sees us compare influential back-rowers Niall Evalds and Olly Ashall-Bott against each other and evaluate their roles within their respective sides.
Despite suffering a broken leg during Salford’s home defeat to Huddersfield back in May, full-back Evalds has made a miraculous recovery to become a prominent figure during the club’s Qualifiers run-in.Β Evalds made his long awaited return as Salford made the long journey to Perpignan to take on the Catalans Dragons last month and hasn’t looked back since.
The 24-year-old has shone since the arrivals of both Hastings and Lussick and his impact has been hailed as ‘like having a new signing’. Evalds scored a brace as the Red Devils pummelled Leeds Rhinos at the The Salford Stadium two weeks ago, before notching a further effort at Hull KR last weekend.
πΈ@NEvalds1993 crosses for his third try in two games.
Ashall-Bott likewise, has impressed heavily in recent weeks. The 20-year-old has made just six appearances this term but has shone during his breakthrough season with Cummins’ first-team.
The full-back come winger has been labelled as the most promising Academy Graduate to emerge out of the Select Security Stadium in recent years and has also spent time on-loan at North Wales Crusaders where the youngster effectively learnt his trade.
Ashall-Bott featured during Widnes’ loss to London and was arguably the side’s finest performer after notching his maiden try for the club.
This battle could well determine which side emerges victorious from the contest, both players are key figures and could heavily influence the outcome with their sheer pace and creative ability. Team News
Forward Greg Burke – who joined the club on a two-year permanent deal from the Vikings this week – returns to face off with his former club following a short injury layoff. Australian duo Jackson Hastings and Joey Lussick both retain their place in the squad after impressing during the visit to KCOM Craven Park.
π£οΈ "I'm really enjoying it here."
πΉ @GregBurke93 spoke to Salford Red Devils TV about joining the Club for a further two seasons as well as previewing tomorrow's massive Qualifiers fixture against Widnes Vikings.
Forward Tyrone McCarthy is the only absentee in the Salford squad from last Friday’s win over the Robins. The experienced forward picked up a slight knock.
Widnes will be without new signing Charlie Gubb after the forward sustained a nasty injury during his debut last Thursday versus the Broncos. Olly Ashall-Bott retains his place after a stunning individual display, as do recent arrivals Liam Finn and Harrison Hansen. Veteran forward Chris Houston is also included in the squad and will captain the side. Squads Salford Red Devils: Kris Welham, Junior Saβu, Niall Evalds, Rob Lui, Craig Kopczak, Josh Jones, Mark Flanagan, Lama Tasi, Ryan Lannon, Ben Nakubuwai, Josh Wood, Derrell Olpherts, Lee Mossop, Jake Bibby, Daniel Murray, Ed Chamberlain, Greg Burke, Jackson Hastings, Joey Lussick. Widnes Vikings:Β Patrick Ah Van, Olly Ashall-Bott, Jay Chapelhow, Danny Craven, Chris Dean, Gil Dudson, Liam Finn, Alex Gerrard, Harrison Hansen,Weller Hauraki, Aaron Heremaia, Chris Houston, Krisnan Inu, MacGraff Leuluai, Joe Mellor, Tom Olbison, Charly Runciman, Lloyd White, Matt Whitley Table PermutationsΒ
Prior to the launch of the Qualifiers, all points tallies were reset for the competition which has given every side a chance to essentially start the season again.
After triumphing at Hull KR last time out, Salford currently occupy 2nd position in the Qualifiers table. A Salford Red Devils victory could potentially see the Red Devils lead the standings come Saturday evening.
Widnes are 5th in the table, but are essentially joint bottom. If the Vikings were to suffer a second successive defeat at the hands of Salford on Saturday, then pressure will soon begin to mount on Cummins’ men. Match Officials Referee: Ben Thaler Touch Judge: Liam Moore Touch Judge:Β Richard Thompson Video Referee: Robert Hicks
