RED DEVILS IN DEPTH: CASTLEFORD V SALFORD

Fresh from their somewhat unexpected victory over Leeds Rhinos, the Castleford Tigers must have felt quite confident at delivering a repeat performance and result, when they entertained our in-form Salford Red Devils in Friday night’s Round 15 fixture, especially after having run their visitors extremely close on their visit to the Salford Stadium back in mid-April.

Certainly, the opening stanza seemed to reflect that as the Tigers, having received the ball from the kick-off promptly acquired four back-to-back sets, from a penalty early in the first set, and then head and feed at a scrum following a Salford forward touch of the ball, and finally a second penalty, to take them the full length of the remarkably short Mend-a-Hose Jungle field to apply strong pressure on the Red Devilsโ€™ goal-line defence.

Indeed, when the Reds went in front, from Rhys Williamsโ€™s score under the posts, in the eleventh minute, having secured the ball from an end-of-set kick along his wing, it was very much against the run of play, underlined by Castlefordโ€™s cancelling out four of the points he had gained them in less than a minute of the restart.

From that point onwards, however, the Tigers were barely in the hunt, as the slick, fast, entertaining handling of the Salford players opened up the home sideโ€™s defence time and again, with comparative ease, to take as 4-24 points lead going up to the half-time mark.

Probably because of their dominance for, by far, the majority of the game, many might be surprised at their conceding as many as ten points, all of them in the first half, even though their defence, in general, was well in control for almost the whole match.

There were, however, some rather unusual circumstances around the tries which the Tigers did manage to score.  The first was the one mentioned above, which might well have levelled the points at 6-6, but for Widdop missing the conversion.

One moment Tim Lafai was in possession of the ball on a clearing run towards the forty-metre line, when he lost control of it, and the next it was in the hands of Castleford’s, Quarequare, who had a clear run to the Salford try-line. In fact, the Salford players scrambled extremely well to prevent him going round to the posts, thus limiting the damage by two points.

The second came as much because of the hooter than any great fault with the Red Devilsโ€™ goal-line defence, with their backs to the actual clock.  With two tackles still to go in the set, the sound of the hooter coincided with the ball being in the hands of Miller, whose quick thinking saw him put in an unexpected short, overhead kick for it to be collected by Edwards with yet another clear run to the line.

Far more representative of the Salford defence, however, was the fact that it stood unbreeched by any planned move Casโ€™s attack could muster.  On the only other time they managed to cross the line, in the later stages of the second half, they were held up by a swarm of willing defenders.

The Salford attack, as far as entertainment was concerned, was probably, alongside the sixty pointer at Hull, and the similar forty-two against Huddersfield in the Cup, among their best of the season, which is unsurprising given the ideal, dry conditions.

The tries when they came were all thrilling to watch as the Reds clinically ripped open the home defence, and their variations made for all the more enjoyment.  The one which possibly caught most peopleโ€™s eye was their third, when Brodie Croft took the ball to the line before feeding Deon Cross, whose combination of speed, clever swerved running, and dummy was good enough to take him the forty-five metres to the line.

Two rather surprising absentees in their armoury, though, was the lack of any set moves from the scrums, from which they preferred to rely on Lafaiโ€™s strong runs into the Tigerโ€™s defence.

Other than those, there seemed a little less physicality than usual which was more than likely because it was not needed.  The one which really stood out was Jack Ormondroydโ€™s thirty metre charge downfield, direct from a Cas goal-line drop-out, midway through the second half.

With a massively important Challenge Cup quarter-final at Hull KR, next week, on their minds, though, it may be that they had decided that discretion was the most appropriate strategy for then, and if they were to come back from there still in the draw for the semi-final, any shortfalls from this particular game would be long forgotten.

PREVIEW: CASTLEFORD TIGERS V SALFORD RED DEVILS | FRIDAY 11TH FEB | ROUND 1

Paul Rowleyโ€™s Salford Red Devils begin their 2022 Betfred Super League journey with a trip to the Mend-A-Hose Jungle to take on Castleford Tigers, later this evening.

Tonight’s contest presents a fresh start for an exciting squad to test their capabilities against some tough opposition.

The Red Devils have enjoyed a productive pre-season, beating both the Swinton Lions and the Halifax Panthers at the The Salford Stadium, before some encouraging academy talent produced a spirited display despite defeat to the Warrington Wolves in Lee Mossopโ€™s testimonial.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference earlier this week, Rowley said: โ€œIโ€™ve definitely learnt about the lads during pre-season. I think at one time they used to say lock them in the dressing room with a load of beers to learn about them, but I think you learn more about them when itโ€™s tough and weโ€™ve certainly done that.

โ€œI think itโ€™s been positive in that respect and I think anything weโ€™ve learned about any of the players has been in a positive way. A little bit of education on our part, what they do under fatigue or what their common traits are and some have just exceeded expectations.โ€

Castleford, who finished 7th last season and narrowly missed out on the playoffs, have also had a successful pre-season, convincingly beating both Doncaster and the New York Knights.

After leading Hull FC for over six years, this will be Lee Radfordโ€™s maiden season in charge at Castleford, after Daryll Powell left his position to take over at Warrington Wolves.

The West Yorkshire-based side are tipped to have a promising Betfred Super League campaign, so they will be a stern opening test. However, the Red Devils boss says he is only focusing on what his side can do.

Rowley said: โ€œI think you do focus on yourself. Itโ€™s difficult because youโ€™re obviously looking at Lee Radfordโ€™s style of coaching and how Hull played, but again, totally different personnel and you have to throw in the mix how Cas previously played.โ€

On Wednesday, the head coach named his first 21-man squad of the season, including new faces Tim Lafai, Ryan Brierley and Brodie Croft, who will be aiming to show their talent and get the campaign off to a positive start.

King Vuniyayawa is also in contention following his move from the Leeds Rhinos, while Amir Bourouh is a young player who is creating a lot of excitement with his performances at hooker.

Rowley confirmed yesterday that the only absentees from the squad as whole at the moment, are Kallum Watkins and Harvey Livett – both suffering from injury knocks.

With a full house expected, itโ€™s shaping up to be an electric night of rugby league. Salford will be looking to feed off the energy of the travelling fans and show just what theyโ€™re capable of.

Written by: Harry Siddall

Image credit: Steve McCormick

MATCH REPORT | CASTLEFORD TIGERS 18-70 SALFORD RED DEVILS | SUNDAY 11TH JULY 2021

Salford Red Devils picked up a comfortable win against Castleford Tigers at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle this afternoon, after what has been a difficult two weeks in the Salford camp.

Despite the scoreline, it was the hosts who took the lead early on through Grant Milligan, after the Tigers reacted first to a loose ball.

Jack Ormondroyd powered over in the 12th minute however, to put Salford on the scoreboard.

Ollie Roberts put Salford ahead for the first time shortly before the half-hour mark and two minutes later, Morgan Escare danced his way through the Castleford defence to pick up a try of his own.

Three minutes from the interval, Rhys Williams picked a Chris Atkin kick out of the sky and grounded the ball in the left corner.

Halftime: Castleford Tigers 6-22 Salford Red Devils

The hosts started the second forty the same way they did the first, scoring early through Brad Martin this time.

However, the second half at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle belonged to Salford, who took real control of the arm wrestle.

Ken Sio darted over down the right in the 47th minute, before Escare got his second of the afternoon five minutes later after some great play from Salford to work the ball from left to right.

Dec Patton then barged over for a try, before Matt Costello grounded the ball in the 59th minute after a great kick chase by the number 24.

Man of the Match Chris Atkin strolled over under the sticks five minutes later and the hosts responded with their last try of the game through Alex Foster.

Saints loanees Ben Davies and Dan Norman both helped to extend Salford’s lead in the last few minutes and it was our Welsh Winger Williams who summed up what had been a brilliant display, breaking the Castleford line and picking up his second try of the afternoon between the sticks.

Fulltime: Castleford Tigers 18-70 Salford Red Devils

Castleford Tigers: Qareqare, Jordan, Blair, Foster, Clare, Sadler, Richardson, Hepi, Robb, Millington, Sene-Lefao, Martin, Bienek, Peachey, Hall, Rusling, Magee.

Castleford tries: Millington, Martin, Foster

Castleford goals: Richardson (3/3)

Salford Red Devils: Escare, Sio, Inu, Costello, Williams, Patton, Atkin, Johnson, Ackers, Ormondroyd, Livett, Lannon, Burke, Roberts, Norman, Pauli, Davies.

Salford tries: Ormondroyd, Roberts, Escare (2), Williams (2), Sio, Patton, Costello, Atkin, Norman, Davies

Salford goals: Inu (11/12)

Referee: Tom Grant

Tickets available for Castleford away

Salford Red Devils can confirm that an away allocation has been provided for our fans by Castleford Tigers, for Sunday’s Betfred Super League clash at The Mend-A-Hose Jungle.

When purchasing a ticket, please select the ‘Home adult standing’ย  option. You will then receive an e-ticket which will outline your specific entry point and time where possible.ย Students with valid ID, under 16s and over 60s should all select the ‘Home concession standing’ ticket.

On the bottom of all e-tickets, you will also be able to find Castleford Tigers’ COVID-19 Code of Conduct. Please read carefully and adhere to the guidance.

Tickets can be bought here, and we ask you to look over the Castleford matchday guide, ahead of the game, here – Tigers vs Red Devils Matchday guide . The guide will answer all your questions on food and drink, stand opening times and so on.

Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you in the stands in West Yorkshire on Sunday afternoon.

Talking Points | Castleford Tigers 24-20 Salford Red Devils

Salford Red Devils ran Castleford Tigers close at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle and there was plenty to talk about from a thrilling Betfred Super League clash.ย 
We take a look at some of the key talking points.
Competing with the best
Following last monthโ€™s loss to St Helens, Head Coach Ian Watson pointed to positives and said his side would learn from playing and competing with the best on a regular basis and this is something they displayed this weekend at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle.
The Red Devils fought till the end against Castleford with a late Jake Bibby try almost being the catalyst for a late fightback. At one stage Salford found themselves 18-4 down but some determined and clever attacking play saw them score two tries in quick succession to close the gap further.

Ian Watsonโ€™s side went toe-to-toe with the team who have the best win percentage in the Betfred Super League in recent seasons and on another day could have very well come away from Castleford with two points.
While the result wasnโ€™t quite what the Red Devils wanted, if they can maintain the level of performance, we have seen over the last month there is no reason Salford โ€“ as Ian Watson mentioned in his post-match presser โ€“ become contenders in 2019.
Adam Walker debutsย 
After almost two years away from the field, Adam Walker made his long-awaited Rugby League return coinciding with his debut for Salford Red Devils. Walker was named amongst the interchanges and entered the field midway through the first half in place of Gil Dudson.
Walker immediately looked a threat with ball in hand causing a few issues for the Tigers defence with Paul McShane getting sent to the sin-bin after tackling the Red Devils forward. The former Hull Kingston Rovers, St Helens and Wakefield Trinity man looked to make an impact as well and will only improve with more game time.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvJdExfnKv0/
Head Coach Ian Watson said: โ€œI thought he looked dangerously with ball in hand and defensively I thought there were a few times where he lounged in but thatโ€™s fatigue and taking that into contact. Weโ€™ll see how it pans out when heโ€™s got match fitness. He will get better, and heโ€™ll be a great addition for us.โ€
Lussick continues to impressย 
Joey Lussick played a full eighty minutes against Castleford Tigers on Sunday afternoon and was a standout performer for the Red Devils helping guide Salford around the field and crossing for his fourth try of the season.
Lussick has developed into a real threat on the opposition line whether he gets the ball out to Rob Lui and Jackson Hastings at pace or whether he throws a dummy and โ€˜goes himselfโ€™. The Australian has scored in four games this season with three of his tries coming on the road against Hull Kingston Rovers, Catalans Dragons and Castleford Tigers, respectively.


In addition, he was an absolute rock in defence making 45 tackles and often going head-to-head with Castlefordโ€™s star-man on the afternoon Paul McShane. Lussickโ€™s ability to kick from hooker also offers another option alongside the Red Devilsโ€™ halfback pairing.
Lussick will be looking to carry his fine form into another huge Betfred Super League fixture this weekend as Salford welcome Wigan Warriors looking to return to winning ways at the The Salford Stadium.
Sin-bin and potential sin-binย 
Paul McShane was sent to the sin-bin in the first half for his involvement in an altercation between the two sides which also involved Adam Walker. Unfortunately, during this period the Red Devils didnโ€™t manage to cross the line and capitalise on their man advantage. Paul McShane was central to everything Castleford produced in attack.

In the second half, Tigers centre Alex Foster was adjudged to have tackled Joey Lussick off the ball by referee Robert Hicks as Jackson Hastings looked to find the hooker on a half-break. While Salford were awarded a penalty, the decision was made not to sin-bin Foster.
However, when questioned about this decision, Head Coach, Ian Watson, said: โ€œThis wasnโ€™t the reason we lost the game.โ€

Ian Watson | “We have to believe we’re a good team”

Head Coach Ian Watson was pleased to see his sides display against Castleford Tigers while also feeling frustrated that they didnโ€™t come away from the Mend-A-Hose Jungle with a victory.
He gave his thoughts on a number of subjects in the post-match press conference.
On the performanceโ€ฆ
There were a few little errors and defensive lapses and I think they gave Castleford the win. The one thing I have said to the boys is that we have to believe we are a good team and weโ€™re showing it now against Castleford away from home and against St Helens at home which was a game we learnt a lot from. We are quite a young team but weโ€™ve got to believe that we can come to Castleford and win and I think we just didnโ€™t start the game with that mentality as we put them on the front foot and they started playing like a top team does putting you under pressure and getting repeat sets which Paul McShane was central to. Once we got the game in the balance a little bit, we started to control that and got on the front foot and dictating field position as well. Itโ€™s our own fault weโ€™ve lost the game.
On the difference between the sidesโ€ฆ
Theyโ€™ve been a top team for the last few years. Weโ€™re still quite a young team in many ways with our spine being quite young with Joey Lussick and Jackson Hastings in there. We just need to be a little bit more patient at times instead of chasing the game. Paul McShane did that really well, they started completing sets and earning repeat sets through goal line drop-outs. They persisted and sometimes you just have to deal with that and try and turn the tide, but I want to give massive credit to our players for competing. I do think that game will hit home with the lads to see theyโ€™re a good side coming to Castleford and almost winning the game.
On the start to the seasonโ€ฆ
Yeah, weโ€™re happy with the start to the season but we want more โ€“ everybody always wants more. We all want to win every game we go into but Iโ€™m hoping the games weโ€™ve played, and the performances and results can kick us on for the remainder of the season. We can show everyone what weโ€™re about then and show that weโ€™re a team that can be contenders. I think if we go about games the way we have in spells and piece that together weโ€™ll be a strong team and weโ€™ll trouble a few more this season.
On Adam Walkerโ€ฆ
I thought he looked dangerously with ball in hand and defensively I thought there were a few times where he lounged in but thatโ€™s fatigue and taking that into contact. Weโ€™ll see how it pans out when heโ€™s got match fitness. He will get better, and heโ€™ll be a great addition for us.
On the resultโ€ฆ
I think weโ€™re really disappointed with the result because we know weโ€™ve let an opportunity slip through our own little errors and misreads. I think weโ€™re good enough to compete with these teams now, but we just need to believe that we are good enough on a regular basis, but we need to show that next week against Wigan Warriors when they come to the The Salford Stadium. I think weโ€™ve had a tough month here with St Helens, then Catalans away and now Castleford away so we canโ€™t wait to get back to the The Salford Stadium and show what weโ€™ve learnt from the last three games.
On Jake Bibbyโ€™s performanceโ€ฆ
Jake Bibby is a great kid and heโ€™s had to wait for his opportunity to get into the team. Heโ€™s got the shirt at the moment if Iโ€™m honest as heโ€™s doing fantastic in both attack and defence. We always knew defensively he was brilliant, and weโ€™ve worked on the attacking side of his game โ€“ heโ€™s been working closely with Martin Gleeson and spending a lot of time with him. Heโ€™s showing us what heโ€™s learned over the last couple of years.
On a possible sin-bin offence by Alex Fosterโ€ฆ
I thought so at the time but thatโ€™s not the reason weโ€™ve lost the game. We need to be smarter in certain areas so I canโ€™t use that as a reason as to why we werenโ€™t victorious. It was definitely a good contest.
 
Tickets areย available for Salford Red Devils next home game againstย Wigan Warriors at 3pm on Sunday 22nd April. You can buy tickets from the AJ Bellย Stadium Ticket Office, over the phone on 0161 786 1570 or by buyingย online HERE. Youย willย saveย moneyย buying in advance!

Tickets | Purchase your tickets for our visit to Castleford

Tickets are now on sale for our trip to the Mend-A-Hose Jungle to face Castleford Tigers on Sunday 17th March, 3:30pm kick-off.
Support the Red Devils as they make the journey to Castleford by purchasing your tickets now at the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office and over the phone on 0161 786 1570.
Ticket prices are as follows:ย 
Adult: ยฃ22
Concession: ยฃ14
Junior Swaps: FREE
Ticket prices will rise by ยฃ2 if you purchase on gameday so weโ€™d encourage supporters to buy in advance from the The Salford Stadium. Remember, Salford Red Devils retain 25% of every purchase in advance from the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office or over the phone on 0161 786 1570.
The concession price category includes 60+, full-time students and children aged between 6 and 16.
Junior swaps are available for the fixture but must be swapped in advance from the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office. ID may be required when entering the Mend-A-Hose Jungle. A junior swap voucher is valid for persons with a birth date after the 31st January 2002.
There is also coach travel available to book for this fixture and this can be done at the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office or over the phone on 0161 786 1570. The coach is priced at ยฃ15 for all classes.
The pick-up points and times are as follows:
Chandos Social Club: 12:25pm
Royal Sovereign: 12:40pm
Eccles Town Hall: 12:50pm
Dog & Partridge: 1:00pm
The Salford Stadium: 1:20pm
Salford Red Devils retain 100% of your coach booking fee. Supporters are reminded to arrive at their pick-up point with plenty of time.
Car parking is available at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle for ยฃ5 per car. For disabled parking, wheelchair spaces and reserved seating please call the Castleford Ticket Office on 01977 552674.

Flashback | Castleford Tigers 16-32 Salford Red Devils | Sunday 13th March 2016

Ahead of tomorrowโ€™s Betfred Super League tie with Castleford Tigers at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle we take a look at the last time Salford earned victory at Castleford.
Salford managed to earn a comfortable 16-32 victory which marked their first win at Castleford since 2004.
On-loan winger Justin Carney was the difference between the sides on his return to the Mend-A-Hose Jungle however he spent ten minutes in the bin in the early stages following an altercation with Nathan Massey.
Gareth Oโ€™Brien got the scoring underway converting a long-range penalty goal before Greg Johnsonโ€™s try extended the lead for Salford. However, Castleford did narrow the arrears to just two points before the interval with a score in the corner from Denny Solomona.
Josh Griffin would cross in spectacular fashion after half-time before Carney grabbed his first try of the afternoon to put Salford in command.
The Tigers hit back as Solomona notched two tries in quick succession. His first coming from a break from Paul McShane before squeezing over in the corner to round off his hat-trick.
But, any hope Castleford had off completing a comeback was soon diminished as Griffin scored his second of the afternoon. Carney also scored a double in the dying stages latched onto a long kick to add insult to injury for The Tigers.
Following the game Salford Red Devils Head Coach Ian Watson said: โ€œWe havenโ€™t seen the game out over the last few weeks so itโ€™s pleasing to come to Castleford and get such a massive result. Theyโ€™re a good team.โ€
The teams that day:
Castleford Tigers: Dorn, Monaghan, Crooks, Webster, Solomona; Hampshire, Gale; Lynch, Milner, Jewitt, McMeeken, Cook, Massey. Interchanges: McShane, Boyle, Springer, Maher.ย 
Salford Red Devils: Oโ€™Brien, Carney, Saโ€™u, J. Griffin, Johnson; Lui, Dobson; Kopczak, Lee, G. Griffin, Murdoch-Masila, Jones, Lannon. Interchanges: Flanagan, A. Walne, Tomkins, Joseph.

Factfile | Castleford Tigers vs Salford Red Devils | Sunday 11th March

Ahead of Sundayโ€™s Betfred Super League clash with Castleford Tigers at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle we take a look at the facts behind the fixture.ย 
Head-to-headย 
Salford and Castleford have had a real share of the spoils over the last two seasons with The Red Devils coming away with three wins from six and The Tigers claiming the other three victories.
Ian Watsonโ€™s side were the first team to overcome Castleford in the 2017 Betfred Super League thanks to a late Gareth Oโ€™Brien drop-goal in March at the The Salford Stadium. However, the Red Devils lost back-to-back games against Castleford in the latter stages of last season.
Salfordโ€™s last victory at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle came back in 2016 as the Red Devils ran out convincing 32-16 winners โ€“ this was the Clubโ€™s first win at Castleford since 2004. Salfordโ€™s best run of results against Castleford in the Betfred Super League era came in 2004 when they won three consecutive games against the West Yorkshire side.
Try-Scoring
Salford and Castleford over the years has had some high-scoring affairs with seven of the last eight games having a combined score of 27 or more points.
This has allowed for some fairly frequent try-scoring which has seen at least one player grab at least a brace in each of the last eight meetings, also. Zak Hardaker, Greg Eden and Joel Monaghan all scored doubles for Castleford in this fixture last season while Ben Murdoch-Masila crossed twice in a 13-12 victory.
Junior Saโ€™u, Josh Griffin and Kevin Locke have all notched braces for Salford in the fixture since 2015 while Jake Webster, Denny Solomona and Ashley Gibson have all scored doubles for The Tigers. Solomona scored a brace twice in the fixture in this period. Justin Carney is the only man to score a brace for both Salford and Castleford in this time.
The fixture is also one for the backs with the forwards scoring just three of the last 24 tries in this fixture. Murdoch-Masila scored two of these while Paul McShane crossed for Castleford. There was a total of 13 different try-scorers in this fixture last season.
Milestones
Salford Red Devils back-rower Josh Jones is set to make his 150th Betfred Super League appearance if selected for Sundayโ€™s game. Jones featured in the Betfred Super League on 97 occasions for St Helens and has now made 52 Betfred Super League appearances for Salford.
Castleford winger Greg Minikin could make his 100th career appearance this weekend. Minikin has played 49 games for The Tigers alongside seven dual-registration appearances for Batley whilst at Castleford. Minikin signed from York for whom he featured 43 times.

Squad | Ian Watson names 19-man squad for trip to Castleford

Salford Red Devils Head Coach Ian Watson has named his 19-man squad to take on Castleford Tigers at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle on Sunday, 3:30pm kick-off.
There is just one change to Salford’s 19-man squad that travelled to St Helens last weekend with George Griffin coming in for Craig Kopczak.
Mark Flanagan retains his place after playing his first Betfred Super League since July 2017 last weekend at the Totally Wicked Stadium. Weller Hauraki is also named after missing out on the game day team last weekend with a minor knock.
Tickets are still available to purchase for Sundayโ€™s game from the Club Ticket Office or over the phone on 0161 786 1570. Remember, Salford Red Devils retain 25% of any purchases from the The Salford Stadium and you can buy directly from us up until 4:30pm on Saturday 10th March.ย 
The full 19-man squad can be seen below:

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