MATCH PREVIEW – SALFORD RED DEVILS VS SWINTON LIONS (PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY)

We’re back! Salford Red Devils kick-off their pre-season preparations against Swinton Lions at the Salford Stadium this afternoon.

It’s been a while since we’ve seen Paul Rowley’s side in action, but optimism is high ahead of another Betfred Super League season.

With a World Cup squeezed into a jam-packed off-season, the Red Devils saw a record amount of players picked for their respective nations on the back of an excellent season with the Club.

The break also saw the Head Coach and his assistant, Kurt Haggerty both commit their long-term future to the Club, with Krisnan Inu – a former Grand Finalist with Salford – rejoining to become part of the coaching staff.

Recruitment has mostly arrived in forward areas, with Oliver Partington a stand-out addition from Wigan Warriors. Adam Sidlow and Andrew Dixon will don the Red and White for a second stint, with youngsters Ellis Longstaff and Sam Stone also looking to make a positive impact.

Ben Hellewell was the sixth and final player to make a permanent switch to the Club after impressing in his two-week loan spell from Featherstone Rovers back in July 2022.

Before the season really gets started, Rowley will have a chance to assess his squad in the first of two friendly matches. Swinton Lions are the first task; a side they beat 48-12 last January, when Ryan Brierley, Brodie Croft, Deon Cross and Shane Wright all scored their first tries in Red Devils’ colours.

Squad News

As expected, the Head Coach has named a squad packed with first and reserve-team stars for today’s clash. There’s bound to be plenty of rotation throughout the 80 minutes, as the lads try to build vital match fitness.

It also presents a fantastic opportunity for some of our young talent to show the coaching staff their ability. Joe Coope-Franklin and Billy Walkley – two players from our blossoming Welsh pathway – have recently been handed first-team shirt numbers 29 and 30.

Players’ thoughts

After featuring for the Scottish National Team in the 2022 World Cup, Ryan Brierley was forced to have surgery to fix some discomfort in his knee.

His road to recovery has been swift and the full-back says he’s looking forward to getting back out on the pitch and building some vital match fitness.

“I feel like it’s been good,” Brierley said, “I’ve done a lot of work over the Christmas period. The boys got a bit of time off, but I knew I needed to catch up on a lot of work that’s been done.

“It’s feeling okay. Again, I think with anything I don’t think anyone will be feeling 100% tomorrow when that whistle goes, so we’ll soon find out, but in terms of all the box ticking, that’s all been done.

“The strengths fine and we’ll just see how it reacts after the game – but I’m feeling okay!”

To hear everything our number one had to say before our first friendly of 2023, click the tweet below.

How to buy tickets

You can still join us at the Salford Stadium today. Kick-off is at 1pm and tickets can be purchased by clicking HERE.

Tickets | Pre-Season friendlies against Swinton and Wigan on sale

Salford Red Devils can confirm that tickets for our pre-season friendless against Swinton Lions and Wigan Warriors are now available to purchase.
ย You can buy your tickets for either game from the The Salford Stadium Club Ticket Office, over the phone on 0161 786 1570 or by simply visiting our eticketing site, HERE.
Salford Red Devils will face Swinton Lions on Saturday 12th January at the The Salford Stadium, 1pm kick-off. Wigan Warriors will then visit the The Salford Stadium on Sunday 20th January, 2pm kick-off.
Our fixture against Swinton will be your first chance to see the Red Devils in action since last season while new signings such as Ken Sio, Adam Lawton and Gil Dudson could all debut.
You will be able to purchase tickets for our two pre-season friendlies at Sundayโ€™s Season Ticket Collection afternoon by visiting the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office or going to the The Salford Stadium Reception.
Please note that only the West Stand and 1873 Club will be open for both of our pre-season friendlies.
Ticket prices for both games are as follows:
Adult: ยฃ10ย 
Concession: ยฃ5
Adult (VIP): ยฃ15
Concession (VIP): ยฃ10
Under 6: FREE
 
2019 Season Tickets are still available to purchase and can be bought at the The Salford Stadium Club Ticket Office, over the phone on 0161 786 1570 or by clicking HERE. Please remember if you wish to pay via Direct Debit you must visit the The Salford Stadium or phone 0161 786 1570.

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