SALFORD’S WORLD CUP SAFEGUARDING REPRESENTATIVE – MATT CARR

SALFORD’S WORLD CUP SAFEGUARDING REPRESENTATIVE – MATT CARR

Everyone at Saford Red Devils is delighted to learn that our own Matt Carr has been selected as one of a team of six safeguarding officials to operate at Rugby League World Cup games, over the coming five weeks, and his first outing in this role will be this evening, at the Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens, for the Tonga v Papua New Guinea match, to be followed up on Saturday, with the England v France encounter.

Matt joined Salford twelve months ago, having gained his first safeguarding qualifications – later updated to those pertaining to rugby league – and experience at the grassroots level of football with a well-known local club, and he, together with Director, Paul Trainor, established the safeguarding setup which has been in operation since the start of last season.

β€œI joined Salford last November and feel we have made good progress over the season, as has been confirmed by the RFL on their visits here,” he justifiably claims.

His responsibilities are quite wide-ranging, including the care and guidance of our younger players, vulnerable adult spectators, unaccompanied minors, and dealing with safeguarding incidents.

β€œThe match day role was quite new to me back in February but includes liaising with match-day security, looking after any groups, or children with specific needs, who might be attending, and managing any safeguarding incidents which might occur, such as a missing or lost child.Β  There were very few such occurrences, last season, and those which did manifest themselves were speedily and satisfactorily resolved,”

His twelve months experience here now has to be transferred to what could, potentially, be a much more challenging environment, especially at Saturday’s England fixture.

β€œI will have a lot more responsibility with mascots, flag-bearers, community groups, and the role will be quite a big one, as can be seen by the number of us who have been appointed.Β  We will operate within our own regions.

β€œThe World Cup is the pinnacle of any sport, and I was extremely proud to have been selected, despite a few nerves at the responsibility it brings.Β  Hopefully those will dissipate once I get through the first game tonight, because it won’t come much bigger than Saturday’s.Β  The risk will increase rapidly with what should be a sell-out attendance, but fortunately the RFL Head of Safeguarding will also be there.

Matt will certainly be well prepared for the occasions coming his way as he spent a full day last week being fully trained up.

β€œThe day focused specifically on reporting and recording procedures should any incident occur, but the greatest learning will come through my involvement at the games, starting with tonight’s, though it will mainly consist of applying my knowledge and skills acquired over the years, and then building upon that.

β€œI believe that the work I have done at Salford has stood me in good stead throughout the application process and am hoping that I will learn a whole lot more from my forthcoming involvement, which I can then introduce here at Salford.”

The RFL restructure the England Performance Unit

The Rugby Football League today announced a restructure of the England Performance Unit which involves an expanded role for Paul Sculthorpe MBE, and contract extensions for Kevin Sinfield MBE and Jamie Peacock MBE.
Sculthorpe, the only man to win Super League’s Man of Steel award in consecutive years, has been appointed England Pathways Coach, meaning he will be working with all teams in the EPU and focusing on the country’s outstanding young players, from Junior Academy to Knights level – following his involvement in last autumn’s successful England Knights tour of Papua New Guinea.
Sinfield, who joined the RFL as Rugby Director in 2016 and has continued in that role since being appointed as Director of Rugby at Leeds Rhinos last summer, has committed to the RFL role until 2022 – after the Rugby League World Cup on home soil in 2021.
Peacock, another former England and Great Britain captain who has been working as the England team manager since July 2016, has also extended his agreement with the RFL until 2021.
Paul Anderson will be continuing as Knights head coach in a consultancy role after joining Warrington’s backroom staff since the end of last season, and the former Warrington forward David Elliott remains National Programme Manager and head coach of the England Academy team after the 2-0 series victory over the Australian Schoolboys last month.
Ben Jones, previously the Research and Innovation Manager, takes a new role as England Performance Director; Jane Phillips takes over as Head of England Operations; and Barry Frost continues as Head of Performance Analysis.
Further announcements about the England Women and Wheelchair coaching staff will be made later this year.
Ralph Rimmer, the RFL chief executive, said: β€œWe created the England Performance Unit last January after proposals from Kevin Sinfield, and the results for 2018 speak for themselves.
β€œOur senior England men’s team won four games out of five Tests played, three of them against New Zealand.
β€œEngland Women had a big win in France – although we recognise that securing more international competition for them is a major priority for 2019 and beyond – and on one memorable Saturday in October, the Knights made it three wins out of three for our England teams when they won their first international in Papua New Guinea.
β€œThat was followed by the superb performances of Dave Elliott’s England Academy team against the Australian Schoolboys.
β€œSo it’s great to be able to announce the news that Kevin Sinfield, Jamie Peacock and Paul Sculthorpe – three truly outstanding players of the Super League era – will retain key roles in the EPU, as we continue to build towards hosting the Rugby League World Cup in 2021.
β€œWe recognise there is a need for clarity about international fixtures for all our national teams – men’s, women’s and wheelchair – and rest assured we are working hard behind the scenes to allow us to make further positive announcements as soon as possible.
β€œThe EPU is delivering exactly as we had hoped, which is thanks to those involved and also the support of the clubs.
β€œWe remain focused on success in the RLWC2021 and beyond, as we all understand the impact this can have for the sport in the UK – and are therefore delighted to have secured these key personnel on that journey.”
England Performance Unit 2019
England Rugby Director; Kevin Sinfield (Consultant)
England Performance Director; Ben Jones (Consultant)
Knights Head Coach; Paul Anderson (Consultant)
National Programme Manager; Dave Elliott (Employee)
England Pathways Coach; Paul Sculthorpe (Consultant)
Head of England Operations; Jane Phillips (Employee)
RFL Head of Coaching and Player Development; Dave Rotheram (Employee)
Performance Analysis; Barry Frost (Consultant)

Willows Wall | Kenny Gill joins the Heritage Team

Salford Red Devils’ former stand-off Kenny Gill is the sixth name in the β€˜Willows Wall’ as part of Capricorn Security and Salford Red Devils Foundation’s Heritage Team initiative.
Gill was a part of the memorable 1970’s side – of whom make up the complete Heritage Team thus far – that won two Championship titles with the Red Devils. Overall, Gill appeared 275 times for the Red Devils, scoring 62 tries, kicking nine goals and one drop-goal tallying up to an impressive 205 points. He also played in three Lancashire Cup finals, a John Player final and a Floodlit Trophy final.
During his time with Salford, Gill would represent Great Britain on seven occasions and was involved in the 1974 Down Under and was selected in the 1975 and 1977 World Cups, scoring a try in the 1977 Rugby League World Cup final. Gill also played for Lancashire on seven occasions.
Gill would move to Widnes in February 1978 earning another Championship medal before then moving onto Barrow. However, the stand-off would finish his career with Salford after re-joining for Β£12,000. He would make his final appearance against Leeds at The Willows on April 27th, 1980.
Voting for scrum half will go live later today.
The full results are as follows:

  • Kenny Gill – 32.79%
  • Steve Blakeley – 23.28%
  • Gus Risman – 18.69%
  • Andrew Dunneman – 7.87%
  • Paul Shaw – 6.89%
  • Neil Baker – 4.59%
  • Daniel Holdsworth – 2.95%
  • Ken Richards – 1.64%
  • Cliff Beverley – 1.31%
  • John Butler – 0.00%

If you’d like to get your names alongside a host of Salford Red Devils legends contactΒ John.Blackburn@Salfordreddevils.netΒ and get your name on the β€˜Willows Wall’ for Β£25.Β 

International | Tyrone McCarthy named in Ireland train-on squad

Salford Red Devils forward Tyrone McCarthy has been named in the 30-man train-on squad for Ireland for the forthcoming European Championships, which doubles as qualifiers for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England.
The top two nations will earn spots in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup while the bottom two will compete in a further qualification group in 2019 which will include Italy, either Norway or Greece and the top two nations in European B, which will be decided this weekend.
McCarthy was a staple in the Red Devils side throughout the 2017 scoring four tries. McCarthy featured for Ireland in last year’s Rugby League World Cup where defeat to Papua New Guinea prevented them a spot in the quarter-finals.
Ireland’s 35-man train-on squad is as follows:
Sean O’Sullivan, Connor Smyth (Athy Sharks), Michael Ward (Batley Bulldogs) Chris Hall, Connor Phillips (Belfast Stags), Joe Keyes, Gregg McNally, Ethan Ryan (Bradford Bulls RL), Peter Ryan (Coventry Bears RL/ Galway tribesmen), Aaron Ryan (Dublin City Exiles) Ryan Guilfoyle, Ed O’Keefe, Roy Stanley (Galway Tribesmen), Ronan Michael (Huddersfield Giants RL /Longhorns RL), Lewis Bienek (Hull FC), Api Pewhairangi (London Broncos RL), Andrew Coade, Matt Connelly, Gareth Gill, Richie McHugh, James Mulvany, Kevin Varga Β (Longhorns RL), Tyrone McCarthy (Salford Red Devils), James Bentley (St Helens), Will Hope (Swinton Lions), Liam Finn, Scott Grix, Luke Hooley (Wakefield Trinity), George King, Pat Moran (Warrington Wolves), Alan McMahon (Waterford Vikings), Callum Mulkeen (West Wales Raiders), Callum O’Neill (Widnes Vikings) Β Liam Byrne, Declan O’Donnell (Wigan Warriors).
The full European Championship fixtures are as follows:
ROUND 1 – 
Saturday 27 October
Ireland v Scotland – Morton Stadium, Santry (kick off 2pm)
France v Wales – Stade Albert Domec, Carcassone (kick off 6pm)
ROUND 2 – 
Friday 2 November
Scotland v Wales – Gala RFC, Galashiels, (kick off 7.30pm)
Saturday 3 November
Ireland v France – Morton Stadium, Santry (kick off 2pm)
ROUND 3 –
Saturday 10 November
France v Scotland – Stade Albert Domec, Carcassone (kick off 6pm)
Sunday 11 November
Wales v Ireland – Racecourse Ground, Wrexham (kick off 3pm)
 
2019 Season Tickets are now available to purchase at the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office, over the phone on 0161 786 1570 or by simply clicking HERE.Β For all 2019 Season Ticket prices click here.
To check out all FAQ’s regarding 2019 Season Tickets click here. Β 
#TogetherStronger

Support England Rugby League tomorrow morning

Make sure you tune into BBC One tomorrow morning at 9am to watch England take on Australia in the final of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.Β 
England, who are featuring in their first World Cup final for 22 years, will be looking to defeat an Australian side who have the won the competition a record 10 times and overcame England 18-4 in the opening game of the tournament.
Coverage starts on BBC One at 8:30am and everyone here at the Salford Red Devils would like to wish England the best of luck in the final. Bring it home.
The teams for tomorrow’s final are below:
Australia: Billy Slater, Dane Gagai, Will Chambers, Josh Dugan, Valentine Holmes; Michael Morgan, Cooper Cronk; Aaron Woods, Cameron Smith, David Klemmer, Boyd Cordner, Matt Gillett, Josh McGuire.
Interchanges: Wade Graham, Jordan McClean, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Tyson Frizell.
England: Gareth Widdop, Jermaine McGillvary, Kallum Watkins, John Bateman, Ryan Hall, Kevin Brown, Luke Gale, Chris Hill, James Roby, James Graham, Ben Currie, Elliot Whitehead, Sam Burgess.
Interchanges: Alex Walmsley, Tom Burgess, Chris Heighington, Jonny Lomax.

Red Devils bring in World Cup star Ben Nakubuwai

Salford Red Devils can confirm the signing of Fijian Rugby League World Cup star Ben Nakubuwai.
Nakubuwai featured in all of Fiji’s World Cup fixtures and was a part of one of the stories of the competition as they reached the World Cup semi-final for the third consecutive time.
The 21-year-old has already been tipped Down Under as the next β€˜Petero Civoniceva’. Nakubuwai joins from NRL side Gold Coast Titans for whom he appeared twice scoring one try.
Salford Red Devils Head Coach, Ian Watson, said: β€œI am really excited with the signing of Ben as he is an outstanding addition to our group.
β€œHe’s a great bloke off the field with an attitude to graft hard for his teammates on it.
β€œHis potential has been seen in the recent Rugby League World Cup with Fiji at just 21 years old and seven international appearances under his belt he will add quality and enthusiasm to an already strong pack of forwards for 2018.
β€œHe made his NRL debut this year and is coming over here to really create a name for himself. He is a player in the mould of Petero Civoniceva and it’s up to us to help him achieve these high standards that he and the Club are striving towards.”
Salford Red Devils CEO, Ian Blease, said: β€œBen is another young and excellent addition to our squad for next season.
β€œHe’s a big powerful forward who I was very impressed with when I watched him throughout the Rugby League World Cup.
β€œIt’s another great signing for us and I feel we’ve really strengthened the squad in pre-season and I’m exciting to see all our new signings in action.”
Ben Nakubuwai could debut for the Red Devils as early as January, subject to visa arrival, when Salford face local rivals Swinton in the opening pre-season friendly of 2018 with ticket details due to be released soon.
 
Remember to see the Red Devils in action in 2018 you can purchase your Season Ticket at the Club Ticket Office, over the phone on 0161 786 1570Β or online here. A list of all our ticket prices and their respective Direct Debit payment schemes can be found here with the Direct Debit option being available from the Ticket Office or over the phone.

Salford Red Devils World Cup final event confirmed

Salford Red Devils will be hosting a thrilling Rugby League World Cup Final event on Saturday morning as England face Australia in their first final for 22 years.
The Red Devils 2018 squad members will be in attendance with fans being able to socialise and watch the game with the players.
There will also be a raffle with a range of prizes available to win on the morning including a Salford Red Devils Season Ticket in the West Stand.
We will also be announcing the new name for our official Club mascot on the morning of the game. You can submit your entry and possibly name the Club mascot for the foreseeable future. The final decision will be made my our mascots sponsor and some members of the first team. Submit your entry here.
Fans will enjoy a bacon barm and a brew while they watch England try and topple the Aussies and bring home the Rugby League World Cup.
Doors will be open from 8:15am with food and drinks being available from this time also.
Fans will need to purchase their tickets before midday tomorrow via the link here.

Salford’s last representative eliminated from the Rugby League World Cup

Manu Vatuvei’s Tongan side were knocked out of the Rugby League World Cup following a semi-final defeat at the hands of England on Saturday morning.
England opened up a 20-0 lead against the surprise semi-finalists with tries from Jermaine McGillvary, Gareth Widdop and John Bateman.
However, Tevita Pangai Junior, Siliva Havili and Tuimoala Lolahea all went over in the space of seven minutes for the Tongan’s to almost pull off a memorable fightback.
There was late controversy as Andrew Fifita almost went over for Tonga with the final play of the game but was adjudged to have dropped the ball following a collision with Elliot Whitehead which wasn’t sent to video referee Ben Thaler by referee Matt Cecchin.
Vatuvei was the last Salford representative at the Rugby League World Cup.
New signing Gavin Bennion, who featured for Wales in the World Cup, has been in training with the Red Devils while fellow countryman Craig Kopczak has also linked up with the side today.
Ireland international Tyrone McCarthy is set to be back in training in midweek while Vatuvei will re-join the squad in the next fortnight.
England are set to face Australia in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup final at 9:00am on Saturday 2nd December with the game being live on both BBC One and Premier Sports.
 
Remember to see any ofΒ our World Cup stars in action in 2018 you can purchase your Season Ticket at the Club Ticket Office, over the phone on 0161 786 1570Β or online here. A list of all our ticket prices and their respective Direct Debit payment schemes can be found here with the Direct Debit option being available from the Ticket Office or over the phone.

Red Devils duo feature for Wales in Rugby League World Cup

Salford Red Devils duo Craig Kopczak and Gavin Bennion featured in Wales’ final game of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup as they fell to a 6-34 defeat at the hands of Ireland.
Bennion, who joined the Red Devils last month, made his debut for the Welsh national side while Kopczak again captained John Kear’s side.
However, Wales suffered their third defeat of the tournament with Api Pewhairangi, Joe Philbin, Liam Finn and Liam Kay all crossing alongside an Oliver Roberts double for the Irish. Ben Morris scored Wales’ only try.
Salford Red Devils forward Tyrone McCarthy didn’t feature for Mark Aston’s men who unfortunately exit the tournament despite winning two of their three group games.
Manu Vatuvei didn’t feature for Tonga in their memorable 22-28 victory over New Zealand but could be in the running for a place in their quarter-final clash with Lebanon on Saturday 18th November in Christchurch.
 
Remember you can see all four of the Salford Red Devils World Cup representatives in action in 2018 by purchasing your Season Ticket. A full list of prices can be found here while a Direct Debit breakdown of each ticket can be seen here. Visit the Club Ticket Office, phone 0161 786 1570Β or purchase online here. Direct Debit isn’t available online.

Two Salford forwards named in Wales’ World Cup squad

Salford Red Devils Craig Kopczak and Gavin Bennion have both been named in Wales’ squad for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
Kopczak, who was named as Wales captain last month, will feature in his second World Cup for the Welsh national side after playing in the 2013 competition.
Bennion arrived at the The Salford Stadium last week after signing from Championship side Rochdale Hornets. The 23-year-old forward who impressed massively for the Hornets last season could be set to debut for his national side at the Rugby League World Cup.
Wales open their Rugby League World Cup campaign against Papua New Guinea in Port Moseby on 28th October before travelling to Townsville a week later to face Fiji in a double-header which will also feature Italy vs USA.
John Kear’s men will finish their Group Stage fixtures against Ireland in another double-header prior to England facing France in Perth.
The full Wales squad is as follows:
Courtney Davies, Steve Parry (both Gloucestershire All Golds), Chester Butler (Halifax), Danny Ansell (Hunslet), Sam Hopkins (Leigh Centurions), Michael Channing, Ben Evans, Dalton Grant, Elliot Kear, Rhys Williams (all London Broncos), Matty Baron (Newcastle Thunder), Joe Burke (Oldham), Gavin Bennion, Craig Kopczak (both Salford Red Devils), Matty Fozard (Sheffield Eagles), Andrew Gay, Christiaan Roets (both South Wales Ironmen), Regan Grace, Morgan Knowles, Ben Morris (all St Helens), Rhodri Lloyd (Swinton Lions), Josh Ralph (Tweed Head Seagulls), Phil Joseph (Workington Town), Matty Seamark (Wynnum Manly Seagulls)

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