Head Coach Ian Watson has named an unchanged 19-man squad for the visit of London Broncos at the The Salford Stadium on Sunday, 3pm kick-off.
Salford Red Devils got their 2019 season off to a winning start with a 14-34 victory over Huddersfield Giants last Friday.
Both Ken Sio and Gil Dudson debuted for the Red Devils and both men will be in line to make their competitive home debuts for Salford this weekend. In fact, if he is selected, Dudson will make his 200th career appearance.
Full-back Niall Evalds grabbed a hat-trick last week at the John Smith’s Stadium which saw him surpass 300 points for the Club and he will be looking to continue his scoring form on Sunday afternoon.
Logan Tomkins made his timely return to the Salford side at Huddersfield and is in line to feature again. Tyrone McCarthy and Jake Bibby will be looking to make their first appearances of the 2019 Betfred Super League season.
The full squad is as follows:
Tag: Logan Tomkins
Squad | Ian Watson names squad for 2019 opener against Huddersfield
Salford Red Devils Head Coach Ian Watson has named his first 19-man squad of the season as his side travel to the John Smith’s Stadium to face Huddersfield Giants on Friday evening, 7:45pm kick-off.
New signings Ken Sio and Gil Dudson are both in line to make their competitive debuts for the Red Devils after arriving in the off-season.
Jansin Turgut and Joey Lussick both featured in last year’s Qualifiers campaign but could make their Betfred Super League bows for the Red Devils on Friday evening.
Kris Welham comes into the squad after missing the Red Devils most recent pre-season friendly against Wigan Warriors.
Ed Chamberlain and Josh Wood are recovering from injuries however Logan Tomkins – who missed the backend of last season – is included in the 19-man squad.
Here is Ian Watson’s 19-man squad in full:
Tickets for Friday’s game against Huddersfield Giants are still available to purchase from the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office up until 4pm on Friday 1st February and are also available over the phone on 0161 786 1570.
Supporters can purchase over the phone and pick up their tickets at either the The Salford Stadium or John Smith’s Stadium Ticket Office in advance of the game.
Ian Watson | “We’re definitely excited.”
Ahead of tomorrow’s pre-season friendly against Swinton Lions, Salford Red Devils Head Coach Ian Watson gave his thoughts on a variety of topics including pre-season, his squad and this weekend’s opponents.
On getting back underway…
“We’re really excited. We’ve got through all the tough stuff in pre-season and now it’s time to get started and now it’s about what we can do on the field and seeing where we are at particularly in regard to the start of the Betfred Super League season and fine tuning those last little details. But, we’re definitely excited.”
On the fixture…
“Salford vs Swinton doesn’t happen all that often anymore so it’s always good when we get to go head-to-head. It’s going to be a great occasion at the The Salford Stadium and I’m hoping we see a big crowd to support the lads for the first game of 2019.”
On squad selection…
“We’ll go strong. The lads who’ve impressed in pre-season will get first shot because you get rewarded and some of the lads have really put their hands up in pre-season. Jake Bibby has come on leaps and bounds while Ed Chamberlain has been outstanding since he joined. We will give the majority of them a game, but we may hold a few back for our second pre-season game against Wigan Warriors next weekend.”
On the two triallists…
“We’ve got young Connor Davies-Aspey who is 16 years old and is from our Salford Red Devils Education Academy team. It’s a big plus for the Salford Red Devils Foundation that he has come in and trained with us and he’s done really well. We’ve decided to give him a one-month trial and maybe hand him an appearance this weekend against Swinton.
“The other triallist is Calvin Wellington who came through the ranks at St Helens and has been away playing Rugby Union. Hgot a very good background. We’ll see how he goes against Swinton.”
On a few injuries…
“Both Josh Wood and Logan Tomkins picked up injuries at the backend of last season and are still recovering.
“Josh Wood has been in full-time training with the squad, but he needs to up his contact a little more before we can give him a game. He’s a little behind schedule for where we need him to be but in the next month, we’ll start to get him where we need him to be.
“Logan Tomkins has missed all of pre-season out on the field and his injury is just about us making sure we get him to the right stage so that he doesn’t struggle again on his return.”
On Swinton Lions…
“Swinton have rebuilt really well, and they’ve got a strong squad. Of course, they’ve signed Gavin Bennion who was with us last season, so he is going to want to have a big game and they’ve got a few other players with Salford links so it’s going to be interesting.”
Tickets for the game are still available to purchase and you can do so prior to the game from the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office. You can also purchase over the phone on 0161 786 1570 or by simply clicking HERE.
For a reminder of prices, click HERE.
Sponsor | Logan Tomkins goes on ABL health walk
Last week Salford Red Devils hooker Logan Tomkins took part in a health walk at Chorlton Water Park organised by his player sponsor for 2018 – ABL Health.
The walk was for ABL Health clients on their free weight management programmes in Manchester.
Tomkins, sponsored by ABL Health, said: “The walk organised by ABL was for their clients and I’ve come down to show some support and represent Salford Red Devils.
“It was my first time visiting Chorlton Water Park – it’s a nice part of the world. I’ll visit again.
“It was really enjoyable, it doesn’t feel like exercise when it’s somewhere this nice and my dogs enjoyed it too!”
ABL Health said: “It was great to have Logan and his dogs join us and meet some of the people we’ve supported in leading healthier, happier lives.
“It was a lovely morning, and everyone had a good time enjoying being outdoors and getting some exercise.”
ABL Health run a variety of health programmes across Manchester and the North West and are always looking to welcome newcomers.
To find out more about the work ABL Health do, click here.
Welcome the Wolfpack!
Tickets for our next home game against Toronto Wolfpack on Saturday 8th September are available to purchase at the Club Ticket Office, over the phone on 0161 786 1570 or SAVE MONEY by buying online, just CLICK HERE.
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.
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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.
Factfile | Salford Red Devils vs Leeds Rhinos | Friday 27th July
Ahead of tomorrow’s final game of the regular Betfred Super League season for 2018, we take a look at all the facts and figures behind our clash with Leeds Rhinos.
Head-to-Head
Salford Red Devils haven’t had much luck against Leeds since the inception of the Betfred Super League beating the Rhinos on two occasions.
The Red Devils most recent victory against Leeds came in 2016 with Salford earning a narrow 14-10 victory at the The Salford Stadium. Salford’s other Betfred Super League triumph over the Rhinos came in 2009 in the form of a 30-20 Easter period win at the Emerald Headingley Stadium.
However, since Ian Watson’s sides last win over Leeds, the Rhinos have won six consecutive meetings with the most recent being a 0-20 win at the Emerald Headingley Stadium in the second game of the 2018 Easter period. Five of these six victories have come at the Emerald Headingley Stadium however with the sides meeting just once at the The Salford Stadium over the past two years.
Milestones
Salford Red Devils back-rower Tyrone McCarthy is in line to make his 150th career appearance this weekend against Leeds.
McCarthy has made 24 appearances for the Red Devils since arriving at the The Salford Stadium this time last season ahead of the Club’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup semi-final. Tyrone has also made 31 appearances for Hull Kingston Rovers, 43 appearances for Warrington Wolves and played twice for NRL side St George Illawarra Dragons.
In addition, whilst at Warrington, McCarthy spent time on loan and dual-registration with Swinton Lions (11 games), Leigh Centurions (18 games) and Wakefield Trinity (7 games). The second-rower has also represented Ireland on 13 occasions.
2018 Stats
Jake Bibby’s try-scoring run came to an end last week against Catalans Dragons, but the flying winger remains the Red Devils top try-scorer with 11 tries this season. Bibby is one ahead of the Rhinos top try-scorer in the 2018 Betfred Super League which is Ash Handley. Wingers Ryan Hall and Tom Briscoe are close behind on nine tries apiece.
Richie Myler has proven a brilliant signing for Leeds and currently tops their try-assist tally with 23 in the Betfred Super League; the most of any player in this year’s competition.
Red Devils acting halfback Logan Tomkins is Salford’s top tackler with 630 however he is still sidelines for this weekend’s fixture. Tyrone McCarthy, Lama Tasi and Lee Mossop could all go over the 500 tackles mark for the 2018 Berfred Super League this season.
Leeds hooker Matt Parcell currently tops the Rhinos ranks in terms of tackles with 622 so far this season. Brad Singleton, Adam Cuthbertson and Jamie Jones-Buchanan have all racked up 500+ defensive efforts.
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.
Factfile | Salford Red Devils vs Castleford Tigers | Friday 13th July
Salford Red Devils host Castleford Tigers this evening and we take a look at the stats, facts and figures behind tonight’s encounter at the The Salford Stadium, 8pm kick-off.
Head-to-head
Salford managed to overcome Castleford in this fixture last season narrowly edging out the Tigers 13-12 thanks to a late drop-goal. However, Castleford have been on top in recent meetings winning three consecutive games against the Red Devils with the most recent finishing 22-8 at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle back in March.
Ian Watson’s men have won two of their last three home meetings with Castleford. In addition to last year’s terrific one-point victory, the Red Devils won 22-18 in July 2016 at the The Salford Stadium. But, it was the West Yorkshire side who won the most recent meeting at Salford in last year’s Betfred Super League Super 8s.
Overall, in the Betfred Super League, Salford Red Devils have won 11 meetings while Castleford have 27 victories. There is yet to be a draw between the two sides in the Betfred Super League.
Try-scorers
Jake Bibby has scored in two of his last three appearances against Castleford however both have come in fixtures at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle. Bibby crossed for a late try in this year’s meeting between the sides as well as in a 14-38 defeat in July 2017.
The 22-year-old has hit some try-scoring form in recent weeks for the Red Devils crossing in each of his last three appearances. Bibby’s current run began just after half-time in a 26-12 win over Widnes before he also went over in recent defeats against both Warrington and Hull Kingston Rovers.
As for Castleford, fullback Quentin Laulu-Togagae is their man in try-scoring form having also scored in his last three outings. ‘QLT’ scored in crucial victories over Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle while also crossing in France versus Catalans Dragons.
2018 Stats
Jake Bibby is also Salford Red Devils’ top try-scorer this season with ten. He is currently three in front of centre Junior Sa’u. Castleford’s Jy Hitchcox currently sits atop the Tigers try-scoring ranks with ten. He is closely followed by Michael Shenton on eight while Oliver Holmes and Paul McShane have both scored seven tries.
Logan Tomkins is comfortably leading the way in terms of tackles for the Red Devils with 630 however with the hooker absent Lama Tasi is the top tackler of the 19-man squad named with 442. Similarly, it’s Castleford’s hooker Paul McShane who tops the Tigers tackle chart by over 200 tackles.
Ed Chamberlain made his first start for the Red Devils last weekend against Hull Kingston Rovers and averaged a massive 11.21 metres per carry. Castleford also have a player who averages above ten metres per carry in Greg Eden with 10.47 metres.
Grant Millington is Castleford’s top metre-maker with 1679 while Junior Sa’u leads the way for Salford with 1741.
The Tigers are in Town, but we’ll roar louder!
Tickets are still available from the Club Ticket Office and over the phone on 0161 786 1570 for this evening’s game.
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:
