Oliver Partington has been voted Salford Red Devils’ Player of the Month for February.
Our number 13 has scooped the award ahead of Tyler Dupree in close second and Tim Lafai in third, with the trio all enjoying fine starts to the Betfred Super League season.
Including two pre-season friendlies, Partington featured in all four of Salford games across February, but it was the Super League where he has really made a mark.
Dubbed ‘the flying mullet’ in the media since joining the club, Partington was incredible in our opening day victory over Leigh Leopards – making 37 tackles in just 64 minutes on debut.
He backed up that display with another solid outing against Hull KR the week after. Despite defeat, the 24-year-old was named Man of the Match.
Unfortunately, the loose forward has sustained a knee injury that will keep him out of action for an extended period of time, but his return will provide a major boost for the team later in the year.
Reacting to winning the award, Partington said: “I am delighted to have won POTM, it means a lot to me. Thank you to all the fans who voted – see you soon!”
Head Coach, Paul Rowley added: “Ollie has had a great start to life at Salford. I am really pleased for him and he is fully deserving of this award!”
A huge congratulations to Ollie for winning the award and thank you to everyone who voted!
Got a question for Ollie? Head to our social channels to ask it and you may be featured in one of our upcoming videos!
Round 4 of the Betfred Super League is here and Salford Red Devils travel to face Hull FC at the MKM Stadium.
Looking to bounce back from defeat at Warrington Wolves, Paul Rowley’s side have been hit by even more injury trouble, but spirits are high and they’ll being looking to bring home two competition points.
The Red Devils were at their thrilling best at times last Thursday, cutting through Daryl Powell’s side on countless occasions during the first 40.
Ellis Longstaff – on debut – and Marc Sneyd both got on the scoresheet, but it was Ryan Brierley’s try that really stood out. Ken Sio intercepted the ball and somehow kept his balance to tee up our number one, who charged 75 metres downfield to hand us the lead.
Warrington produced a second-half comeback, but much like our Round 2 defeat against Hull KR a week prior, there were plenty of positives for Rowley and his staff to take into this week.
Hull FC are the next challenge, with new addition, Tex Hoy, a player who has really caught the eye. The fullback has taken the Super League by storm in the opening three rounds and was awarded the Glens Vodka Player of the Month earlier this week.
Here’s everything you need to know surrounding our Round 4 meeting later today:
SQUAD NEWS
The Red Devils were hit with two further injury blows this week. Oliver Partington – nominated for February’s Player of the Month – has picked up a knee problem and Joe Burgess has picked up a shoulder knock – with both expected to be out for an extended period of time.
There is, however, the huge positive of Danny Addy slowly but surely returning to match fitness. The Scottish international has been out since early August with a ruptured Achilles, but he will no doubt be a huge boost to the team upon his return.
Adam Sidlow is in line to make his 100th Salford appearance, while Chris Atkin could make his 100th Super League appearance.
ROWLEY’S PREVIEW
Our Head Coach faced the press earlier this week to discuss a multitude of different topics – including facing a tough Hull FC side, the rise of Tyler Dupree and Oliver Partington’s form prior to his injury.
On our opposition, Rowley knows the threat they pose his side and picked out some individuals who could cause problems on Saturday afternoon.
“A big club, so they’ve got a good squad and some people who are playing really well. There’s some obvious threats like Brad Dwyer, Tex Hoy – people like that,” Rowley began.
He continued: “They’re certainly a club who are capable of being pretty damaging, we’ve seen that against Castleford – particularly in the first-half – and against Leeds. They’re a good club, with a coach who has had success in Super League over the years – one who I have played under myself.”
“They are definitely a dangerous opposition, who will have fantastic crowd in a good arena – so I’m looking forward to it.”
Watch the pre-match press conference in full by clicking below!
🗣 "𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱!"
Hear everything Paul Rowley had to say ahead of our trip the MKM Stadium! 🏟
It’s time for you to vote for your February Player of the Month…
In a month where Salford Red Devils kickstarted their 2023 Betfred Super League season, three players stood out above the rest.
Oliver Partington – who join the Red Devils from Wigan Warriors in the off-season – has enjoyed a flying start to life in Red and White.
After receiving the number 13 shirt, the prop/loose forward made 37 tackles in just 64 minutes on debut against Leigh Leopards – a game Salford won 10-20. That performance also earned him a spot in the Super League Team of the Round alongside teammate, Ryan Brierley.
Tyler Dupree – our second nominee – was equally as dominant across the month. Arriving at the Salford Stadium midway through 2022, the youngster has taken the Super League by storm and showed maturity far beyond his years.
The final February nominee is 2022 Super League Dream Team member, Tim Lafai. After reaching the World Cup final with Samoa, the centre has carried his incredible 2022 form into the new season and produced two solid displays to kick-off 2023.
The vote is now CLOSED. Who has been chosen as your February POTM?
Salford Red Devils were beaten 10-24 by Hull KR in Round 2 of the Betfred Super League.
It was a disappointing night for Paul Rowley’s men, with a string of errors ultimately costing his side after a positive start to the game.
The Red Devils were trying to create opportunities from the start and Marc Sneyd forced an early goal-line drop-out with a clever kick into the left corner.
Tyler Dupree and Tim Lafai threatened to break the defensive line early on, but both efforts were thwarted before they could cause KR problems
Salford’s pressure eventually told when Ryan Brierley’s carry right to the line allowed Kallum Watkins to receive the ball and spot Ken Sio in space to slide over in the right corner.
It was the perfect start for the hosts, but KR – who beat Challenge Cup holders, Wigan Warriors in Round 1 – grew into the contest and gained territory as the half went on.
Hull thought they’d pulled themselves level on 33 minutes, but Shaun Kenny-Dowall was adjudged to pull Sio back in the build-up.
HALF-TIME: Salford Red Devils 4-0 Hull KR
KR started the second-half on the front foot and Ethan Ryan was the first to go over for the visitors. Jordan Abdull sent a tricky grubber kick into the right corner and the bobble fell kindly for the winger to ground, with Will Dagger converting for the first of four occasions.
It was the same source with another grubber kick moments later; this time it was Frankie Halton who made the dart to gather the ball and slide over.
Salford were back on the board soon after, as they tried to wrestle back the momentum. Quick hands had Sio as the spare man, but Deon Cross jinked inside beautifully to sell his man and stretch over the try line – Marc Sneyd adding two.
The visitors hit straight back, however. Kenny-Dowall sprung into life on the left-edge and teed up Sam Wood to stretch over and extend KR’s lead.
Rowley’s men tried to fight back and some lovely work from Brodie Croft allowed Sio to collect the ball with open field ahead of him, but our number six was adjudged to be offside and Hull were awarded a penalty.
From that move, Willie Peters’ side made sure of the two points. Abdull’s swerving high kick was spilled by Brierley and Wood picked up the loose ball to stroll over for his second of the game.
Salford Red Devils are looking for back-to-back Betfred Super League wins when they take on Hull KR at the Salford Stadium this evening.
Live on Sky Sports, it is set to be an enthralling encounter, with both sides already enjoying opening day victories.
The Robins were extremely impressive against Challenge Cup holders, Wigan Warriors, beating them 27-18 at Craven Park, while the Red Devils spoiled Leigh Leopards’ party with a 10-20 victory at Leigh Sports Village.
Salford fell behind on the half-hour mark, but two quick-fire tries from Kallum Watkins and Andy Ackers flipped the game on its head before the break.
Ryan Brierley – with a Man of the Match performance – added to our lead early in the second-half and some resolute defending secured both points.
KR present Paul Rowley’s side with a whole new task, but the Head Coach will be confident his team can produce a positive performance in front of the roaring Salford faithful.
Here’s everything you need to know surrounding our Round 2 clash:
Squad News
The big piece of squad news is the return of our flying winger, Joe Burgess.
After notching 16 Super League tries across 2022, the 28-year-old will be raring to go after spending the majority of pre-season on the sidelines through injury.
Burgess is the only addition to the squad from last week’s victory, with Adam Sidlow missing out on this occasion. Oliver Partington and Sam Stone – after impressing on debut – will be wanting to make their home debuts tonight.
Burgess’ Preview
Speaking of Burgess, we caught up with our number five after Captain’s run on Wednesday to talk his return to fitness, our winning start against Leigh Leopards and maintaining momentum against Hull KR.
“Yeah, it’s good to get back into the squad and it just feels like normal life is back!” Burgess told us.
“Pre-season is gone and I’m just ready to crack on with the season now.”
He continued: “It was frustrating that I couldn’t play in the pre-season friendlies and then missed out last week, which was a big opener.
“So I’m just really keen to get back in and do a job for the boys.”
Watch our full chat with Joe below!
🏃 Fresh from signing his contract extension earlier this week, we caught up with Joe Burgess to preview tomorrow's game against Hull KR!
Salford Red Devils are delighted to announce Club captain, Kallum Watkins has signed a new three-year contract, keeping him in Red and White until 2025.
A proven winner at the highest level, securing the future of one of the Betfred Super League’s form players is yet another statement of intent from the Red Devils.
Watkins is a six-time Super League winner with Leeds Rhinos and his leadership qualities have really come to the fore over the last 12 months. It is clear he commands the respect of the dressing room and his appointment as Club captain earlier this year came as no surprise to anyone.
Despite being a natural centre, Watkins selfless move to the back-row has been hugely beneficial to Paul Rowley’s side. Everyone knows what the 31-year-old brings with ball-in-hand, but his work-rate in defence was equally as vital in Salford’s run to the play-offs in 2022.
Now, with a settled squad and summer additions acquired, Watkins and co will be aiming for silverware in 2023.
Reacting to his new deal, Watkins has said: “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to extend my time here at Salford Red Devils.
“We have a great group here and I love the support from the fans. I want to help bring success to this club and create even more memories!”
Head Coach, Paul Rowley has also said: “It is great news that Kal is remaining at Salford.
“He’s a wonderful example of what an elite athlete should be on and off the field. He epitomises everything our club is about, and honesty, hard work and selflessness are the foundations to everything he does.
“Myself, the staff and all the playing group are delighted that we get the absolute pleasure of having our captain extend his contract!”
Director of Rugby and Operations, Ian Blease has added: “Kallum is another very important commitment and signing for us as a Club, and I am delighted in securing our captain’s signature for the next two years.
“He is the ultimate professional and leads our club on and off the pitch. His positional versatility over the last few seasons has benefited him as a player and the Club.
“Kallum returning to the international scene in the World Cup was a credit to his determination and hard work – I am looking forward to seeing him in the Red Devils shirt for the next two years.”
Salford Red Devils are delighted to announce Joe Burgess has signed a new three-year contract, keeping him at the Club until 2025.
Our number five is the latest in a long line of players who have recently committed their long-term future to the Red Devils.
Since joining the Club from Wigan Warriors in late-2020, Burgess has gone from strength to strength. The 28-year-old has been a mainstay on the wing for Paul Rowley and formed a lethal left-edge partnership with Samoan World Cup finalist, Tim Lafai.
He scored 16 tries in 2022, with his consistency and athleticism vital in Salford’s run to the play-off semi-final. His hat-trick against Castleford Tigers back in May was a particular highlight, with each try showing just how much the Red Devils utilise his electric pace.
In reaction to extending his stay, Burgess – in typically humorous fashion – said: “I’m delighted to extend my stay at Salford Red Devils. It is very enjoyable working with this group of people – bosh!”
Head Coach, Paul Rowley has added: “It is fantastic news that Budgie is staying with our group.
“He is an experienced competitor who knows what winning looks and feels like. His fingerprints are on many of our special moments – and the group and I look forward to him being a part of many more.”
Also reacting to the news, Director of Rugby and Operations, Ian Blease said: “I am absolutely thrilled that Joe is the latest player to commit his long-term future to the Red Devils.
“He is an excellent and valued member of the dressing room, and his performances in a Salford shirt over his time here has been fantastic to see.
“His raw pace and athleticism would be a potent weapon for any team, so I am delighted that we’ve managed to ensure that will be with us for 2023 and beyond!”
Salford Red Devils kicked-off their 2023 Betfred Super League adventure with a hard-fought 10-20 victory over Leigh Leopards.
It hands the Red Devils their first-ever win at Leigh Sports Village, but a more important two competition points to get the season up and running.
Paul Rowley’s side showed their intent right from the start. After our first set, Ryan Brierley chased a high kick 60 metres downfield to pin Leigh in their own 20.
The hosts quickly took control of the game soon after, however. Despite some excellent defending, a well-worked move left and a high, spinning pass by Lachlan Lam found Josh Charnley to charge and slide over in the corner.
Salford had to pick themselves up and build some momentum. A combination of bodies crashed Lam out of touch on the half-hour mark and that was the moment the tide really did turn.
After building some pressure, Andy Ackers sprung from the ruck and found Brodie Croft 10 metres out. Club captain, Kallum Watkins was already alive and our number six played a neat short pass to send him through the gap and over the try-line. Marc Sneyd converting for the first of four successful goals.
One quickly became two when Ryan Brierley forced a goal-line drop out. Around five metres out, Ackers sprung out of dummy half and sold Leigh with a dummy to scurry under the posts.
HALF TIME: Leigh Leopards 4-12 Salford Red Devils
Leigh started the second-half on the front foot, but in the 50th minute, it was our number one who got himself on the scoresheet.
Croft – at the heart of a lot of our attacking play – weaved his way through the Leigh line 40 metres out and teed up the supporting Brierley to race through and slide under the sticks.
His try was important, but a last-ditch challenge on Charnley moments later was equally as important. The Leigh winger raced away down the right and only had our full-back to beat; but despite so much twisting and turning, Brierley executed a perfect tackle to stop a certain try.
It did come at a cost, however, with Sneyd sent to the sin bin for holding down at the ruck.
Brierley made yet another try-saving tackle minutes later. Lam raced down Salford’s centre and backed his speed to race over in the corner, but our full-back was on hand to drag him down.
Leigh played quick and tried to stab a grubber kick into the corner, with the video referee penalising Watkins for a professional foul and awarding Leigh a penalty-try.
With Sneyd off the field and Leigh pilling on the pressure, Salford’s defence was excellent in the final 20 minutes and worked extremely hard to protect their eight-point lead.
They were even awarded a penalty one minute from time – with Sneyd converting to make the two points safe.
Attentions now turn to our first home game of the season. You can watch the Entertainers back at the Salford Stadium by clicking HERE!
FULL-TIME: Leigh Leopards 10-20 Salford Red Devils
Are you ready? Another Betfred Super League season – full of thrills and spills – is about to get underway.
Salford Red Devils’ first task is newly-promoted Leigh Leopards, at Leigh Sports Village. Despite so much on-field progression in 2022, Paul Rowley’s side will want to build on that blueprint and go one or two steps better in 2023.
In pre-season, the Red Devils retained the Peter Smethurst Trophy against Swinton Lions and fell short against Wigan Warriors in Sam Powell’s testimonial. But most importantly, the squad earned some valuable match fitness ahead of this crucial opener.
Adrian Lam’s side were dominant in the Championship last season and romped to a Grand Final victory. The ever-impressive Edwin Ipape was a standout and ended up winning Try of the Season for a brilliant solo try against York City Knights.
This tasty opener acts as a perfect opportunity for Salford to kickstart what could be a memorable campaign, but here’s everything you need to know surrounding this particular fixture:
Squad News
The main piece of positive injury news is the return of Ken Sio to our 21-man squad. The number two has always been a reliable try-scorer for Salford and he’ll be aiming to reclaim his Super League top spot from Bevan French this season.
Sam Stone and Adam Sidlow are also in contention to make an appearance against their former club, while Andy Ackers and Jack Ormondroyd are fresh from signing contract extensions earlier this week.
After his 40 minute run-out against the Warriors nearly a fortnight ago, skipper, Kallum Watkins is also back 100% fit and in contention to play after shoulder surgery.
Rowley’s Preview
Discussing Jack Ormondroyd’s contract extension earlier this week, our Head Coach thinks tying down players like our number eight is extremely important for the future.
“Jack (Ormondroyd), since I’ve been in, has been very, very good,” Rowley began.
“He’s a big athlete. As I pointed out with the Brodie (Croft) one, retention is a big part of getting stability within a club – so it’s a good signing.”
How to buy tickets
As mentioned previously, our set away allocation is completely SOLD OUT. However, you can buy tickets in the overspill blocks by clicking HERE.
Our 2023 Betfred Super League season kicks off against Leigh Leopards tomorrow.
Following a positive pre-season, Paul Rowley’s side will be aiming to win their first ever game at Leigh Sports Village. The newly-promoted Leopards have recruited heavily in the off-season and will be a tough test for the Red Devils to start 2023.
Here are some of our favourite shots from the first Captain’s run of the campaign…
