RED DEVILS IN DEPTH: MAGIC WEEKEND SALFORD V HULL KR

Salford victories at Magic Weekend, have, over the years, been few and far between, with the last one coming with their 36-22 triumph over Leigh, back in 2017, so for the Red Devils to come away with the league points against a higher placed opposition was a most satisfactory outcome.  That it also came over a team, which had succeeded in notching up five successive wins against the Reds, made it all the more enjoyable.

The scoreline of 26-16 may appear to point to a closely fought battle, but, as occasionally happens, actually disguises the story behind it, for the Reds were by far the better of the two sides, and thoroughly deserved their win.  They dominated possession throughout the game, and whilst not at their best in so doing, respected possession better than the Robins.  Their discipline was far better, and they most sensibly sought to take advantage of many of their opponentsโ€™ indiscretions with the trusty boot of Marc Sneyd, who thereby added eight points to their tally, at a most crucial middle period of the game.

The combination of lengthy periods of possession, particularly in the opening spell, coupled with additiional penalties in their favour, meant that they held superior field position for great swathes of the game, to the extent that the Salford contingent behind the goals must have been most thankful when half-time came, and they then had the chance of seeing the game at much closer range.

For once, in recent encounters with the Robins, it was Salford, with Brodie Croft returning to his best form of the season, who had the match winner on their side, his break on 18 minutes setting up Joe Burgess for the try which cancelled out Hull KRโ€™s opener which had come very much against the run of play.

The reduction in the number of players on the field between the 61st and 75th minutes was of somewhat unnoticed benefit to Salford, for even though it involved the loss of Deon Cross,, the extra space available to the pacey, slick Salford backs was exploited to the full, leading to two converted tries from Sio and Atkin to compensate for their earlier disappointments, as compared with one four-pointer from Hall.

It was, however, the missed chances which, had they gone Salfordโ€™s way would have opened up a far more commanding lead, that were, apart from the result, the most prominent feature of the game, with a succession of opportunities, for a variety of reasons, going begging.

It was early as the fourth minute that Chris Atkin was denied a try under the posts from a dummy-half scoot, by Hullโ€™s defence, which turned out to be their greatest asset.  Without that they would have been in quite serious difficulties as they time and again turned up, and in numbers, to thwart Salfordโ€™s scoring opportunities, as further exemplified in the ninth minute, by their preventing Ken Sio from grounding in the corner, in a situation where we all would normally expect him to have scored.

Even Kallum Watkinsโ€™s much discussed effort, on seventeen mins, was prevented from being awarded as a consequence of the number of defending bodies being around him thus seemingly making his actual genuine grounding of the ball more questionable to the referee, while the same could also be said of Tim Lafaiโ€™s overturned score, because of issues around Burgessโ€™s keenly challenged take of the ball in the air, with this time the video-referee making the call.

Perhaps the most surprising disappointment of all was when, in the 55th minute, Cross completely in the clear and with the unmarked Sio in support, was called back as a result of a collision in back field, which was determined to have affected his break.

Indeed, Salford looked the more dangerous from further out mid-field, than close up to the line, where they seemed to struggle to find the telling pass to unlock the well-drilled goal-line defence of the Yorkshiremen.  They looked more likely to find the key to doing this when moving the ball to the right flank, which was where most of those early, close calls came.

So yet again, the Red Devils were successful with the outcome, maintaining their march up the table to fourth, at the end of the weekend, and extending their number of wins, in all games, to six out of the last seven.  This latest one, however, could have further beneficial effect for their forthcoming visit to the home of the Robins, for the quarter-final of the Challenge Cup.  Success breeds success, and having now broken the winning run of their hosts-to-be, they can travel over there in some confidence to test their metal in the Challenge Cup.

MATCH REPORT – SALFORD RED DEVILS 26-16 HULL KR (MAGIC WEEKEND)

Salford Red Devils produced a stunning second-half performance to beat Hull KR on Magic Weekend.

Marc Sneyd – so often the difference for the Red Devils this season – surpassed 1000 goals on his 300th career appearance, with Adam Sidlow also reaching the significant career landmark of 350.

It was a lightening-quick start by Salford. Chris Atkin tried to scurry over from dummy-half early on, but amongst a host of KR bodies, our number 14 lost the ball.

We were almost on the board again minutes later when Deon Cross slipped through Ken Sio, but a scramble on the Robins right edge stopped the flying winger from handing us the lead.

After being completely on the front foot, KR gained valuable metres and took the lead – perhaps against the run of play.

Parcell found the gap down the Salford centre and offloaded to Coote, who found Minchella with an flick pass to slide under the sticks.

That led to period of play where Salford were under some real pressure, but a magical break from Brodie Croft soon got us back on level terms.

Out of nothing, the Aussie darted past a puzzled KR line to create a golden opportunity. Joe Burgess was racing in support and turned on the afterburners to bring us level.

That field position proved vital and a nice chase by Ben Hellewell and Burgess on the last had the Robins pinned inside their own 20.

Rushing to get out of trouble, a conceded penalty allowed Sneyd to add two more.

Some more quick, incisive play almost had Ken Sio in on the right, but Kallum Watkins’ flick pass was just too hard for the winger to gather.

Going straight down the other end, George King dummied his man to break through the gap and hand KR the lead.

That lead was cut in half on the hooter, however. Mikey Lewis caught Croft with a high shot and Sneyd sent over the penalty-goal.

HALF-TIME: Salford Red Devils 10-12 Hull KR

After trading sets in the opening exchanges of the second forty, Croft made sure he was first to a bobbling ball and sent Hellewell away with a neat pass.

His ball to Burgess was just behind the winger and multiple KR defenders made the scramble to nudge him out of play.

It was a cagey next twenty minutes and perhaps needed a penalty to spark the game into life.

Tyler Dupree was hit high and Sneyd took the opportunity to sink the penalty-goal – bringing up 1000 career goals in the process.

His kicking got Salford back into the game and even nudged us two points ahead when he, himself was hit late by Dean Hadley, who was sent to the sin-bin.

Cross was also shown yellow minutes later and back to 12v12, KR struck.

Kane Linnett found half a yard and flicked an offload to Ryan Hall, who acrobatically dived over in the left corner.

Losing the lead never dampened the players’ spirits and the next 25 minutes was a sublime attacking performance by the Red Devils.

Croft dug into the line, played in Brierley and his mazy run causes chaos. Sio – as always – was in support to take the pass and slide over.

After Sneyd added the extras, Brierley broke again on the last tackle of the next set.

He found Croft and despite KR knocking him to the ground, they failed to complete the tackle and the half-back flicked the ball up for Chris Atkin to crash over in front of the jubilant, travelling faithful.

FULL-TIME: Salford Red Devils 26-16 Hull KR

Photo by Matthew Merrick

MATCH PREVIEW – SALFORD RED DEVILS VS HULL KR (MAGIC WEEKEND)

Magic Weekend is here!

The annual festival of rugby league is a fantastic occasion for everyone, but only one thing will be on Paul Rowley’s mind – two Betfred Super League points.

We face an in-form Hull KR side at St James’ Park; who are wounded from a golden point defeat against Wigan Warriors, but still present a tricky contest for the Red Devils.

The two sides last met in Round 2, where Sam Wood’s double helped the Robins to a 10-24 victory at the Salford Stadium.

Last Sunday, Salford recorded an 8th Super League win of the season against Hull FC, so we will be looking to carry that momentum into this contest and maintain our spot in the top six.

Here’s everything you need to know:


SQUAD NEWS

The return of Ken Sio, Tim Lafai and Adam Sidlow was a huge boost for Paul Rowley last week.

Alex Gerrard is still struggling with a knee problem, so he is still missing for this one. As is Andy Ackers, who failed another HIA in last Sunday’s game against Hull FC.

After a short loan spell at Swinton Lions, Amir Bourouh is back in the fold.


ROWLEY’S PREVIEW

The return of Sio and Lafai, in particular, was highlighted in Paul Rowley’s pre-match press conference this week.

When asked how he rated their return to action, the Head Coach said: “Really solid.

“They did what they always do; Kenny finishes tries, Timmy is solid on the edge – causes problems.

“You have to be strong defensively against him, he’s got a strong body, but didn’t try to overplay which can be a temptation when you’re sat on the sidelines for a long while.

“I was really please for them both and I trust them both – and I thought they were both great!”

To watch the pre-match press conference in full, please click HERE!


HOW TO BUY TICKETS

There is still time to join us at St James’ Park today; however, pay on the day is the only option for travelling supporters at the Newcastle United ticket office.

TRAINING GALLERY – I’VE GOT THE MAGIC IN ME!

It’s a date in the calendar everyone looks for.

Magic Weekend is upon us and Paul Rowley’s side will be making the trip to St James’ Park on Saturday to face an in-form Hull KR.

Fresh from cup progression and a crucial Betfred Super League victory against Hull FC, the Red Devils will be looking to maintain their spot in the top six with a victory.

Here’s some of our favourite snaps from training this week:

Photos by Steve McCormick

SALFORD DED DEVILS AND VX3 RELEASE 2023 MAGIC WEEKEND KIT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SELCO

We are delighted to release our 2023 Magic Weekend kit, in partnership with Selco Builders Warehouse.

Powered by VX3, this is the fourth playing jersey we have released in 2023, following the launch of our home and away strip, and our 150th anniversary heritage kit.

Included in this collection is a Magic Weekend-themed elite training tee and basketball vest – so get yourself kitted-out before we take on Hull KR at St James’ Park.

Tickets for Magic Weekend can be purchased HERE.

Click HERE to get your hands on our new strip and to shop everything Salford Red Devils!


SALFORD TO FACE HULL KR AT MAGIC WEEKEND 2023

Salford Red Devils will face Hull KR at St James’ Park in the 2023 Magic Weekend.

Paul Rowley’s men will kick-off the weekend on June 3rd with a repeat of the 2019 Magic fixture between the two sides. The game at Anfield was a close one, with the Robins winning by a two-point margin and it promises to be another evenly fought contest in 2023.

Salford are scheduled to get underway at 13:30pm UK and will look to make even more Magic Weekend memories at St James’ Park – who are hosting the event for a record seventh time.

Earlier this year, the Red Devils were narrowly beaten by Huddersfield Giants, but the day surely belonged to now ex-Salford prop and Geordie, Sam Luckley, who crashed under the sticks in front of the Gallowgate End and ran off to celebrate by imitating the Alan Shearer celebration.

Tickets for the event will go on sale from October 23rd and more information on how to secure your place will be coming soon.

2023 Magic Weekend Fixtures in full (all live on Sky Sports):

Saturday 3rd June

Salford Red Devils v Hull KR (13:30)

Wigan Warriors v Catalans Dragons (15:45)

Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers (18:00)

Sunday 4th June

Wakefield Trinity v Leigh Centurions (12:30)

St Helens v Huddersfield Giants (14:45)

Hull FC v Warrington Wolves (17:00)

MAGIC WEEKEND 2022 TICKETS ON SALE

Following last Monday’s announcement that Betfred Super League’s Magic Weekend event will remain at St James’ Park in 2022, we are delighted to confirm that tickets are now on sale for our clash with Huddersfield Giants, in Newcastle, on Sunday 10th July.

Season ticket holders have been offered a 50% reduced price when purchasing via Salford Red Devils, and you can grab yours by logging into your account HERE and viewing the discounted prices.

Non-season ticket holders can get full weekend tickets for the price of a day, up until the 12th December.

Salford Red Devils kick Sunday’s fixture schedule off at 1pm against Huddersfield, who we beat both home and away in the 2021 Betfred Super League season.

This will be the first time that Magic Weekend will be held in the middle of Summer and is the sixth time the event will be hosted at St James’ Park.

Magic Weekend fixtures have been kept to the same format used in previous years, where teams are matched based on the position they finished in the league the previous season.

The formula used for deciding fixtures is 1stย v 3rd, 2ndย v 4th, 5thย v 7th, 6thย v 8th, 9thย v 11thย and 10thย v 12th.

Tickets for Magic Weekend can be bought HERE, or over the phone by calling the The Salford Stadium ticket office on 0161 786 1570. You can also make in-person purchases at the Stadium, with opening times on display HERE.

See the full fixtures below:

Sat 9 July

Wakefield Trinity v Toulouse Olympique (1430)
St Helens v Wigan Warriors (1645)
Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers (1900)

Sun 10 July

Huddersfield Giants v Salford Red Devils (1300)
Catalans Dragons v Warrington Wolves (1515)
Hull KR v Hull FC (1730)

 

 

2022 MAGIC WEEKEND DETAILS CONFIRMED

A fantastic weekend of Betfred Super League action awaits fans at St Jamesโ€™ Park, Newcastle and for the first time ever Magic Weekend will be played in the middle of Summer with the event taking place on 9 and 10 July.

The event will be hosted by Newcastle United for the sixth time, having first been held in the North-East in 2015.

Saturday kicks-off with newly promoted Toulouse Olympique facing Wakefield Trinity before St Helens take on rivals Wigan Warriors. The first day finishes with a West Yorkshire derby as Leeds Rhinos go up against Castleford Tigers.

Sunday opens with our clash with Huddersfield Giants before last seasonโ€™s League Leaders Catalans Dragons play Warrington Wolves. The final game of the weekend features an East v West clash as Hull FC take on Hull KR.

Super League chief commercial officer, Rhodri Jones said: โ€œIt was great to be back in Newcastle in 2021, and even more so with fans back in the stadium. We are delighted to be returning to St Jamesโ€™ Park in 2022 and I must thank the football club, Newcastle City Council and NE1 for showing us so much support.โ€

โ€œI look forward to seeing the stadium, fan zone and city brimming with Rugby League fans again next year.โ€

Cllr Ged Bell, cabinet member for development, transport and neighbourhoods at Newcastle City Council, said: โ€œMagic Weekend has firmly cemented itself as one of the highlights of Newcastleโ€™s sporting calendar and Iโ€™m delighted that this festival of rugby league is returning to Newcastle in 2022.

โ€œItโ€™s always brilliant to see fans from around the country assemble in Newcastle for an incredibly vibrant and enjoyable weekend. They pack the stands of St Jamesโ€™ Park and provide a bumper weekend of trade to the bars, restaurants, hotels and shops in Newcastle and the wider region.

โ€œWith this taking place alongside the rearranged Rugby League World Cup which kicks off in Newcastle next year, our relationship with this great sport is set to go from strength to strength in 2022.โ€

Fixture Format

Magic Weekend fixtures have been kept to the same format used in previous years, where teams are matched based on the position they finished in the league the previous season.

The formula used for deciding fixtures is 1st v 3rd, 2nd v 4th, 5th v 7th, 6th v 8th, 9th v 11th and 10th v 12th.

Ticket information

Tickets for the 2022 Magic Weekend will go on sale from 9am on Monday 29 November via superleague.co.uk.

Season ticket holders can claim a 50% discount on their ticket when purchased via the club. Please see your clubโ€™s website for information.

Fixtures

SATURDAY 9 JULY

Wakefield Trinity v Toulouse Olympique (1430)

St Helens v Wigan Warriors (1645)

Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers (1900)

SUNDAY 10 JULY

Huddersfield Giants v Salford Red Devils (1300)

Catalans Dragons v Warrington Wolves (1515)

Hull KR v Hull FC (1730)

Salford Red Devils confirm strategic partnership with Salford Royal

Salford Red Devils and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust are pleased to announce a strategic partnership. ย 
Salford Red Devils have collaborated with Salford Royal to develop a new partnership which supports the Trust and the clubโ€™s ambition to be the leading Super League club owned by and serving the local community.
The partnership includes a range of health and wellbeing awareness raising activities with Salford Red Devils players andย coaching staff engaging with patients and staff throughout the 2019 season. There will also be a special collaboration for the upcoming Magic weekend which will raise money for heart monitors on the Trustโ€™s stroke unit.
Ian Blease, Salford Red Devils Director of Rugby and Operations, said: โ€œAs a community owned club we want to promote the values and positive contribution ofย the game of rugby league. We wantย to instil pride and enrich the lives of our community. Following our recent announcement with Salford University our partnership with the outstanding Salford Royal is another great step to be the best both on and off the pitch.โ€
Salford Royalโ€˜s Chief Officer, James Sumner, said: โ€œOver the years weโ€™ve welcomed a number of Salford Red Devils players on visits to our wards and services so we are extremely pleased to now develop this into a more formal collaboration to benefit our patients, staff and the club. We are extremely honored to be chosen as the partner organisation for the clubโ€™s Magic Weekend. Heart monitors are extremely important items on our stroke unit and can help our staff identify if a patient is at risk of having another stroke. We have lots more exciting plans to work together in the pipeline, including supporting the Club at one of their upcoming fixtures and inviting players and club staff to Salford Royal to join forces with our staff on health and wellbeing initiatives.”

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