RED DEVILS IN DEPTH: HULL V SALFORD

For just over fifteen highly encouraging minutes, the Salford fans who had made the journey over to Hull filled with the confidence that their Β hopes and expectations were well-placed, revelled in an opening stanza, which had their hosts well and truly on the rack.

Indeed, all the firepower in those initial exchanges lay with the Red Devils, who enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, and who were, consequently able to pen Hull on their own line for the bulk of this time.

They ran strongly, spread the ball swiftly and accurately, and when called upon to, tackled with energy and desire. In fact they did almost everything they could have done, except score.

Not that they were without opportunities, for they created three, but unfortunately without success, the first coming when Shane Wright was stopped by a last ditch tackle, extremely close to the line;

Soon afterwards, Brodie Croft’s kick-in-goal was just a little too strong for the chasing Ken Sio, who was unable to repeat his similar try-scoring feat from last week, and the ball had cleared the dead-ball line, before the winger got his hands to it.

Their final chance of taking the lead came with Joe Burgess’s scoot from dummy-half, only for him to be held up over the line, and shortly afterwards the whole game changed far more dramatically than anyone would have predicted.

Off the field, things had not been running as smoothly as is normally the case. Β The withdrawal of James Greenwood in the warm-up led to the introduction of Ryan Lannon into the side was probably a greater cause of disruption than might be obvious with his inclusion coming not simply onto the bench, but, of necessity, directly into the starting lineup.

Then there was some confusion over an injury to Dan Sarginson, which ended up costing the team two of their allotted substitutions, and meant that players could not be rotated or rested as frequently, or for as long, as normal. Β King Vuniyayawa, in particular, played a considerable number of minutes, over and above his scheduled time span. Β Fatigue, and occasionally injury, can be an inevitable consequence of that.

Two wayward passes, however, were the cause of the remarkable first-half turnaround, with both leading to Hull tries on their right flank. Β These were then followed shortly after by two others the first of which came down that same side of the field, and within that second period of fifteen minutes, the Humbersiders had taken a twenty points, unanswered lead.

To be fair to the Salford players at this stage, they galvanised together, and returned to producing the better aspects of their play which had been so noticeable in the first fifteen, and this time it brought benefits.

A high bomb from Marc Sneyd looked to be well-covered by the Hull defence, only for Tim Lafae to pounce from nowhere, and rob them of the possession, with a try close to the Hull posts.

A half-time deficit of fourteen points is not insurmountable, but one always had the sense that Salford had to be first to score in the second half. Β They certainly seemed to be up for the task, upon the resumption, but little more than five minutes had elapsed, when they were reduced to twelve men with the sin-binning of Sneyd, after a disagreement with Hull’s Connor.

If the second period of fifteen minutes had been a game-changers, this ten minute spell was to more or less finish off the contest, for by the time Sneyd had returned, the Hull tally had ratcheted up from twenty to thirty-six points, and there was to be little way back for the visitors, thereafter.

In fact it was Hull, who further extended their lead to forty-two points, with the second of two extremely cruel bounces of the ball. Β Fullback, Ryan Brierley, it had earlier been, whose attempt to deal with a low Hull kick-through, to the posts, had been so thwarted, while for this latest score the bounce prevented Burgess from making the ball safe, and on both occasions Hull chasers were on hand to take advantage of the luck which had come their way.

Nevertheless, the Red Devils Β once again regrouped to share the scoring in the final twenty minutes with two of their own to match this latest, and one further final one from the home side.

The first of Β Salford’s could, arguably, make claim to have been the try of the match, starting as it did with a sideways kick to hand, and the ball then passing through six pairs of hands before Sio crossed in the corner.

Tim Lafae wound up proceedings for the visiting Reds, with the second of his brace, touching down a kick through, but it was all little more than cold comfort for those connected with Salford.

Bad days at the office come round to everyone, at times. Β The important thing is to learn from each, put it behind you, and in Salford’s case produce a quick and effective response, preferably at Huddersfield next week.

Group vaccinations in the Red Devils camp via NHS Salford CCG

With a recent increase in COVID-19 cases in Betfred Super League that has affected several clubs, including the Red Devils, a number of Salford players and staff members received their vaccinations on Tuesday through the NHS Salford CCG’s mobile vaccination clinic.Β 

Kallum Watkins, Rhys Williams, Jack Ormondroyd, Ryan Lannon and Jack Wells went down to the mobile clinic outside the Lowry in Salford this week, as well as our head of S&C Gareth Whittaker and our head of performance analysis, Chris Nelson. A number of players and staff had already had one or both of their jabs, with more group testing planned with NHS Salford CCG in the near future.

Salford Red Devils doctor Tim Sandels commented: “So I’ve been liaising with Richard Whitehead from the NHS Salford team to organise a squad covid-19 vaccination clinic. It’s been really important to get this done and great we managed it.

“The importance of covid vaccinations in the squad is key at trying to reduce covid-19 illness severity and also to reduce potential transmission within the sporting environment. Everyone involved at the clinic were great and it is brilliant that this first wave of players got their vaccines.

“It will hopefully have a positive impact on the community too to see the city’s only elite level sports club taking the pandemic seriously and getting their athletes vaccinated. We’re all just trying to work together and return to normality.”

Jack Wells is one of the youngest players in the squad this year, and he recognises the importance of getting vaccinated.

The 23-year-old said: “As a young athlete at the beginning of my career, I want to be playing at the top level for as long as I can. However, the risk of long COVID could really have an effect on me, such as cause me to develop long-term respiratory problems.

“That’s why I understand how important it is to get vaccinated, for my own health and also for the health of everyone else who I could transmit it to if I tested positive.

“Everyone seems to talk about how vital it is for the older generation to get their jabs, but it’s just as vital for us younger ones in helping stop the spread of this virus.”

All Salford residents over 18 years old, aged 16/17 years old and have an underlying health condition, or a carer either paid or unpaid canΒ book their Covid-19 vaccine appointments here, or attend a walk-in clinic. NHS Salford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) shares daily updates and details on walk-in clinics on their social media and theirΒ Covid-19 vaccine walk-in page.

The national booking systemΒ is also available for anyone to book or manage their appointment.

Josh Johnson – “I do feel at home at Salford”

Salford Red Devils prop Josh Johnson’s decision to extend his stay at a place he now calls home was a “no-brainer” for the 26-year-old.

After signing an extension until 2022, Johnson is pleased to have committed his future to Salford alongside Ryan Lannon recently

Johnson said: “When it all came about it was a no-brainer for me. I have chopped and changed but I do feel at home at Salford.

“There’s some good people at the club.”

The 26-year-old is looking forward to gelling with some of the new lads that have joined ranks with the Red Devils ahead of this season with the likes of Elijah Taylor and Darcy Lussick bringing in substantial NRL experience.

“It’ll be good to take the field with them and it’s good to be around them day-to-day at training.

“The better quality we keep bringing in, like the club’s doing, it’s only going to improve us lads who are trying to get to that kind of level they’ve got to,” Johnson added.

A product of Salford’s academy, Johnson wants to help the next wave of young talent come through at the AJ Bell.

“As you get older you want to try and help the young lads come through.

“If you only get one coming through it’s a success,” Johnson said.

Supporters can join Johnson this year, by purchasing a 2021 season ticket.Β Further details can be foundΒ HERE.

 

 

 

Ryan Lannon – “A responsibility on us”

Salford Red Devils forward Ryan Lannon believes more players will come through the ranks at the The Salford Stadium over the coming years, following his contract extension until 2023.Β 

A product of Salford’s academy, Lannon made his senior debut in 2015 and had a brief spell at Hull Kingston Rovers, before returning in 2019.

The 25-year-old’s extension was announced alongside Josh Johnson, who he played alongside in the Red Devils youth setup – and Lannon believes they can act as role models for the next wave of young talent at Salford, who will be nurtured by the Club’s first Head of Rugby Development, Talent & Pathways, Paul Rowley.

Lannon said: “There is a bit of a responsibility on us to go round and speak to the kids who are in and around the Foundation, to tell them there is a pathway through at Salford.

“I think that’s what the Club needs. It’s only me and JJ (Josh Johnson) left at the minute, so it would be good to get other kids through and hopefully by us signing, the kids know there’s a pathway through to the first team.”

Last season saw Academy graduates Conor Aspey and Luis Roberts both make their Betfred Super League debuts for the Red Devils, with Aspey recently offered a trial.

Reflecting on his contract extension, it was a simple decision for Lannon to pledge his future to the Club.

“It was a very easy decision for me, because I’ve obviously been here most of my career,” he said.

“I had no intentions of going anywhere else, I just wanted to get it done.

“Salford was the only club in mind for me.”

Lannon is hoping the Red Devils can push on in 2021 to bring some silverware home and believes it can be done with the squad now at Salford.

“I think we’ve got a really good squad this year, we’ve got a really good balance,” he said.

“With Rich (Richard Marshall) coming in and with the experience he’s had at St Helens – with what he’s bringing into the Club, I think we’re in a better position and I think we’ll have a real good year.”

Supporters can join Lannon this year, by purchasing a 2021 season ticket.Β Further details can be foundΒ HERE.

LANNON MAKES RED DEVILS RETURN PERMANENT

Salford Red Devils are pleased to announce that Ryan Lannon has returned to the club on a permanent basis.
The Red Devils academy product, who was part of the team which helped Salford reach the Betfred Super League Grand Final after rejoining the club on loan midway through the 2019 campaign, has made the switch permanent in a move which sees Daniel Murray join Hull Kingston Rovers.
Lannon said: β€œIt’s great to be back here, because this is where I thought I was playing my best rugby, before I left.
β€œIt was great to be around the boys again when I came back this year, so it was no-brainer to come back permanently.
β€œI’m confident when I play here and I have a good relationship with all the fans.
β€œWhen I came back, they made me feel welcome. It was like I’d never been away.”
The back-rower made his senior debut for the Red Devils in 2015 and has made over 60 appearances for the club.
Head coach Ian Watson said: β€œI’m happy that we’ve been able to bring Ryan back to Salford.
β€œThe club has been a big part of Lannon’s rugby career and where I believe he’s been happiest, which shows in his performances on the field.
β€œLannon has a very bright future in the game and this year, I believe we’ll see him improve even further.
β€œOn the field, he’s a player who opens up opposition defences and is a physically tough defender. which will add to our squad.”
The 23-year-old will join his former Hull KR teammates Chris Atkin and James Greenwood in the Red Devils squad for the 2020 season.
Anyone interested in sponsoring members of the 2020 squad are advised to email: hannah.kilby@salfordreddevils.net
Salford Red Devils director of rugby and operations Ian Blease said: β€œWe’re delighted to have Ryan back here on a permanent basis.
β€œHe’s someone who we didn’t want to lose in the first place and advised not to go.
β€œI think it’s shown that he reaches another level, playing within our setup.
β€œLike many players, he thrives in the environment which has been created here and I’m sure that will be the case for the other additions to our squad.”
To purchase 2020 Season Tickets and see Lannon in action throughout the campaign, clickΒ HERE, visit the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office, or phone on 0161 786 1570.

Squad | 19-man named for Qualifiers visit to Leeds Rhinos

Head Coach Ian Watson has named his 19-man squad for Friday’s Qualifiers clash with Leeds Rhinos at the Emerald Headingley Stadium, 7:45pm kick-off.Β 
Jack Littlejohn returns to the 19-man squad after a period on the sidelines with a bicep injury. Littlejohn scored twice – from fullback – in his last appearance against Warrington Wolves at the end of June.
Ryan Lannon retains his place after making a try-scoring return in Saturday’s victory over Toronto Wolfpack. George Griffin is also named after his first appearance since late June in last weekend’s win.
Luke Burgess will miss the game through suspension after receiving a red card in last week’s game against Toronto. Jackson Hastings will also serve his first of a two-game ban after he also saw red in the victory.
The 19-man squad in full is as follows:Β 
Kris Welham, Junior Sa’u, Niall Evalds, Rob Lui, Jack Littlejohn, Craig Kopczak, George Griffin, Josh Jones, Mark Flanagan, Lama Tasi, Ryan Lannon, Tyrone McCarthy, Josh Wood, Derrell Olpherts, Lee Mossop, Jake Bibby, Ed Chamberlain, Greg Burke, Joey Lussick.
 
Tickets for our trip to Leeds Rhinos are still available from the The Salford Stadium Ticket Office or over the phone upΒ until 3pm on Friday 14thΒ September. Salford Red Devils retain 25% of any early purchases from the The Salford Stadium. Supporters’ Coach travel is alsoΒ available to book over the phone or at the The Salford Stadium Β Ticket Office.

Factfile | Halifax RLFC vs Salford Red Devils | Sunday 2nd September

Ahead of this weekend’s huge QualifiersΒ clash against Halifax –Β for which Salford will be taking a large away following – we take a look at someΒ interesting facts behind the fixture.
Previous Meetings
While Salford Red Devils did win the last meeting between the sides back in 2015 thanks to a 50-28 victory in the Qualifiers – which you can read more about here – they haven’t enjoyed much luck against Halifax over the years.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnJjT63F-ri/?taken-by=salfordreddevilsrlfc
Prior to this, the Red Devils hadn’t met Halifax since 2002 in a season where they lost twice against the West Yorkshire side but did earn a 15-12 win at the MBi Shay in April of that season.
The 2001 season also favoured Halifax. Two high-scoring affairs at The Willows saw Halifax win 34-50 and 30-41 in addition to a 30-18 win earlier in the season. In fact, you have to go back to 2000 to find the last time Salford won consecutive games against Fax with the first of those coming thanks to a Martin Offiah drop-goal on 23rd July.
Salford won the first two meetings following the move to the Summer era but would then lose six consecutive matches against Halifax between 1998 and 2000.
Home vs Away
In the build-up to this weekend’s game, Salford Red Devils Head Coach Ian Watson pointed to Halifax’s terrific home form throughout the 2018 season as an indicator of how tough Sunday’s match will be.


Halifax have won 11 home games in the Betfred Championship this season including victories over full-time opposition like Featherstone Rovers and Leigh Centurions. A 22-22 draw with Dewsbury Rams and two losses to Toronto Wolfpack – with the most recent coming in Round One of The Qualifiers – are the only blips on this record.
On the other hand, Salford’s away form this season has been a contrast to that of Fax’s home form. The regular Betfred Super League season saw the Red Devils notch just one away victory over Huddersfield Giants in April, but they did win their last match on the road against Hull Kingston Rovers in Round One of The Qualifiers.
The form book – in terms of home vs away – will need to be thrown out the window if the Red Devils are going to make it three from three in this season’s Qualifiers.
Played for Both
Salford prop-forward Daniel Murray has actually featured for both clubs this season following a short loan spell with Halifax at the start of the year. Murray made five appearances for Halifax in 2018 powering his way over for two tries in this time.


Last year the two clubs worked a dual-registration agreement which saw a number of Salford players take to the field for Halifax. Murray, Ryan Lannon, Josh Wood and Jake Bibby all featured for Fax in 2017 and have now made themselves regulars in the Salford first team.
Halifax centre Steve Tyrer – who will miss this weekend’s fixture through injury – enjoyed a season with the Red Devils back in 2010. The centre made 20 appearances for Salford crossing for six tries including a hat-trick against Harlequins – now known as London Broncos – in just his third outing.

Preview | Hull Kingston Rovers vs Salford Red Devils | Friday 10th August

After an impressive victory over Leeds Rhinos in their last outing, Salford now look ahead to a Friday night’s clash against Hull Kingston Rovers with the aim of starting the Qualifiers and forging some momentum for the course of the seven-game campaign.
Last time out
The Red Devils will head into this weekend’s game high on confidence following a dominant display against Leeds Rhinos a fortnight ago in which they managed to overturn to 2017 Betfred Super League champions despite being reduced to twelve men for an hour.
Jackson Hastings made a scintillating twenty-minute debut in which he crossed for a try as well as sending Niall Evalds on his way after Ryan Lannon had levelled the scores early on. Evalds would cross for a second in his return to the The Salford Stadium while Ed Chamberlain, Rob Lui and Josh Jones would all also score in a memorable performance.

Likewise, Hull KR had a game to remember last time out. KR coach Tim Sheens side had the duo of Danny Tickle and Craig Hall to thank on a wet Friday Night under the lights at the KCOM Stadium in a 20-16 win against fierce rivals Hull FC.
KR put an end to a seven-game losing streak against their cross-city rivals when Tickle’s penalty on the hour got Rovers’ nose in front, where they managed to stay for the big derby win.
Hall managed to mark his second debut back at Hull KR following his re-signing on loan from Leigh Centurions by helping himself to two tries and kicking a goal on his way to the Man of the Match award.
Form
Salford managed to turn their fortunes around last time out against the Leeds Rhinos and the additions of Jackson Hastings, Joey Lussick and Jansin Turgut have only added to that momentum in recent weeks.Β The Red Devils will be looking to make it back-to-back victories and get their Qualifiers campaign off to a flying start.
Hull Kingston Rovers are enjoying a solid run, a loss against Warrington Wolves a few weeks ago is the only mark by in a purple patch with results over Hull FC, Widnes Vikings, Huddersfield Giants and a victory over the Red Devils the last time the sides met.
Head-to-Head
This week’s head-to-head pits Betfred Super League Record try-scorer Danny McGuire up against his opposite number, Salford’s number six Robert Lui.
Stand Off McGuire, who signed a two-year deal for Hull Kingston Rovers ahead of the 2018 season has had a prolific Super League career, becoming the first player to ever score 200 tries.
While only making 14 appearances for the Rovers, McGuire has been instrumental for the Tim Sheens side when he has been involved and he crossed for a hat-trick in the last meeting between the sides in early July.
Lui will come into this weekend’s fixture brimming with confidence following a magnificent Man of the Match display against Leeds Rhinos in which he crossed for a try and provided five try-assists. Lui is central to everything the Red Devils do going forward and if he is on form at KCOM Craven Park expect Salford to cause KR issues.


This key battle could very well decide who wins this Qualifiers opener. Both men will be looking to control the game for their respective sides and can bring that little bit of creativity which can tip a game.
Team News
New signing Jackson Hastings is named in the 19-man squad despite leaving the field early on his debut.Β Fellow Australian and new acquisition Joey Lussick could be in line to make his debut following his arrival at the The Salford Stadium.
Kris Welham and Craig Kopczak both return to the squad after spells on the sideline and could return to start Salford’s campaign to retain their place in the Betfred Super League.Β Jack Littlejohn, Logan Tomkins, George Griffin, Luke Burgess and Kriss Brining remain sidelined with injuries.
Hull KR have a few names back at their disposal, Junior Vaivai, Danny McGuire, Shaun Lunt, James Greenwood and Joel Tomkins all return for round one of The Qualifiers.
Todd Carney, Craig Hall and Ben Crooks all unsurprisingly make the squad after debuting in the dramatic derby win against Hull FC.
KR will be without the injured Lee Jewitt and the suspended pair of Mose Masoe and Maurice Blair. However, Will Oakes will be available again after serving his one-game suspension.
Squads
Hull KR:Β Adam Quinlan, Junior Vaivai, Danny McGuire, Nick Scruton, Shaun Lunt, James Greenwood, Ben Kavanagh, James Donaldson, Chris Clarkson, Tommy Lee, Robbie Mulhern, Liam Salter, Chris Atkin, Will Oakes, Danny Tickle, Joel Tomkins, Todd Carney, Craig Hall, Ben Crooks
Salford Red Devils: Kris Welham, Junior Sa’u, Niall Evalds, Robert Lui, Craig Kopczak, Josh Jones, Mark Flanagan, Lama Tasi, Ryan Lannon, Tyrone McCarthy, Ben Nakubuwai, Josh Wood, Derrell Olpherts, Lee Mossop, Jake Bibby, Daniel Murray, Ed Chamberlain, Jackson Hastings, Joey Lussick.
Table Permutations
With this being the opening weekend of The Qualifiers all points tallies are reset for the competition and starting at zero points gives every side a chance to almost start the season again.
Both Salford and Hull KR will be hoping to get off to a good start and begin building some momentum with the hopes of retaining their place in the Betfred Super League.
With The Qualifiers at the toughest they’ve possibly ever been with Hull KR, Leeds Rhinos and Widnes Vikings having Betfred Super League experience alongside some intriguing and talented sides from the Betfred Championship including winners Toronto Wolfpack, surprise package Halifax RLFC and French outfit Toulouse Olympique. Both Salford and KR will know a strong start is paramount.
Match Officials
Referee:Β Robert Hicks.
Touch Judge:Β Jonathan Roberts.
Touch Judge:Β Andrew Sweet.
 

We Need You!Save money by purchasing your tickets online for our games againstΒ Widnes and Toronto.
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Written by Matt Tandy.

Stat Pack | Salford Red Devils 38-22 Leeds Rhinos

Salford Red Devils earned just their third victory over Leeds Rhinos since the inception of the Betfred Super League and we delve into the facts and figures that made it happen.
Player in Focus
The likes of Jackson Hastings, Rob Lui and Niall Evalds took the plaudits for a fantastic victory over Leeds however back-rower Tyrone McCarthy was a key performer who possibly slipped under the radar.


McCarthy was the Red Devils most prolific tackler against the Rhinos racking up a total of 38 defensive efforts. This was six more than any other Salford player with Lama Tasi coming second with 32. Nine of these tackles came from marker which indicate back-to-back efforts from the Ireland international. This, again, was the highest of any Red Devil.
The 30-year-old made 12 carries amounting to a total of 72 metres against Leeds leaving him with an average gain of six metres. This was bested in the forwards by only Josh Jones and Ryan Lannon. McCarthy was also important with ball in hand completing 12 passes and jumping in at acting halfback on a few occasions.
Offloads
Josh Jones has returned to the Salford side in recent weeks after a short stint on the sidelines and is well-known for his offloading ability which was once again on show versus Leeds. Jones completed three offloads against the Rhinos with one leading to a half-break.


However, it wasn’t just the back-rower racking up the offloads with halfback duo Rob Lui and Jackson Hastings also managed to get three offloads apiece away. Josh Wood made two offloads while Niall Evalds, Derrell Olpherts, Lee Mossop, Tyrone McCarthy and Mark Flanagan also notched an offload each.
Salford made 16 offloads overall compared to ten from Leeds.
Overall Stats
In his post-match press conference Ian Watson commented that β€œwhen we complete sets, we usually win games” and that was evident this weekend with the Red Devils completing 81% of their sets in comparison with Leeds’ 64% completion rate. Salford had a total of 37 sets four more than Leeds but completed nine more than the visitors.

Salford spent almost three minutes more with ball in hand which totalled to 19 more play-the-balls than the Rhinos. However, Leeds actually made 23 quick play-the-balls compared to the Red Devils 14 but – in the end – it didn’t count for much.
Leeds conceded three more penalties than Salford who only has five given against them and the Red Devils made just eight errors compared to the visitors 13.

Match Report | Salford Red Devils 38-22 Leeds Rhinos

Salford Red Devils returned to winning ways in style after recording a comprehensive 38-22 victory over Leeds Rhinos, despite playing 60 minutes with 12 men on a rain-soaked evening at the The Salford Stadium.
Although Ian Watson’s side had a man disadvantage – after Lee Mossop was sent off – for an hour of the tie, Niall Evalds’ brace alongside further scores from debutant Jackson Hastings, Ryan Lannon, Ed Chamberlain, Robert Lui and Josh Jones secured the Red Devils’ biggest ever Super League win over the Rhinos.
Unfortunately for the Devils, it was the visitors who made the brightest start. With just two minutes on the clock, Brad Dwyer powered his way over from close-range before Liam Sutcliffe added the extras to give the visitors a 6-0 lead.
Despite falling behind, Salford responded emphatically and claimed their first score of the evening six minutes later. After some quick hands almost saw Jake Bibby score in the corner, Robert Lui immediately sent Lannon crashing over from close-range.
Ed Chamberlain missed the resulting goal, but Salford were over again soon after. New recruit Hastings – who was making his maiden bow for the club since arriving from Australia two weeks ago – fooled the Rhinos backline with an exquisite dummy, before flicking inside to the onrushing Evalds who slid over the whitewash.
Chamberlain successfully landed his first goal of the night, but Salford weren’t finished there. After making a blistering start to his first appearance in a Salford shirt, Hastings’ evening quickly improved when Lui’s lofted deflected into his path to allow him to dive over for his first score.
Another goal from Chamberlain soon followed and the centre soon turned scorer to claim a try of his own. After the ball was worked out wide, the former Widnes man exploited a gap within the Leeds line before racing 30m to cross over in the corner.
Prior to the clash, Salford had an impeccable disciplinary record. But that soon came running to an end when team captain Mossop was shown the red card after an on-field altercation.
The forward’s exit sparked a Leeds revival as Sutcliffe went crashing over a minute later, before the half-back converted his own effort to leave the scores at 22-12.
The red card didn’t spell the end for Salford’s hard work though, two pieces of excellent defending forced the visitors into successive goal-line drop outs to pile the pressure onto last year’s Grand Final winners.
Salford were hounded in-goal themselves when Josh Wood scooped up the loose ball, but the Red Devils soon regained possession as Lui’s drop goal deceived Jimmy Keinhorst before bouncing into touch.
Salford had the final say of the half when Lui dummied before forcing his way over right on the stroke of half-time.
After the break, Salford initially paid the price for the man advantage. The visitors came close on several occasions, a last-ditch clearance from Chamberlain prevented Ashton Golding from latching onto his own low kick.
The spell of pressure from the Rhinos soon paid dividends when Tom Briscoe finished off a well-worked move on the right-hand side, though Sutcliffe did miss the subsequent conversion.
Mossop’s exit hindered Salford’s attacking game-plan, but it was the Red Devils who’d score next as an error from Golding resulted in Evalds eventually crossing over for his second of the evening.
Salford demonstrated a strong work ethic throughout, and the high level of persistence would result in the next of the score of the contest when Lui spotted an unlikely gap in the Rhinos’ backline, before stabbing the ball through for Jones to leap himself onto.
It was the visitors who’d have the next say though, Golding chipped the ball over the back of the Salford line to allow Matt Parcell to beat Ben Nakubuwai in a foot race before touching down.
Sutcliffe then added the extras to leave the score-line at a more respectable at 38-22, but the result was already beyond any doubt.
Salford now head into the Qualifiers full of confidence after earning a crucial two points at the The Salford Stadium.
Salford Lineup:Β Evalds, Bibby, Chamberlain, Sa’u, Olpherts, Lui, Hastings, Mossop, Wood, Murray, Jones, McCarthy, Lannon.
Interchanges:Β Bennion, Flanagan, Tasi, Nakubuwai.
Leeds Lineup:Β Golding, T. Briscoe, Keinhorst, Handley, L. Briscoe, Moon, Sutcliffe, Garbutt, Dwyer, Singleton, Ablett, Thompson, Smith.
Interchanges:Β Parcell, Peteru, Walters, Crosby.
Salford Scorers:Β Tries-Β Lannon (8’), Evalds (10’, 62’), Hastings (15’), Chamberlain (18’), Lui (40’), Jones (69’) |Β Goals-Β Chamberlain (11, 16’, 19’, 63’ 70’)
Leeds Scorers:Β Tries-Β Dwyer (2’), Sutcliffe (21’), T. Briscoe (55’), Parcell (75’) |Β Goals-Β Sutcliffe (3’, 22’, 76)
Half-Time Score: 26-12
Salford Red-Cards: Lee Mossop (20’).
Man of the Match:Β Robert Lui.
Referee:Β Tom Grant.
Touch Judges:Β M. Craven & C. Etchells.

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