Salford Red Devils aiming to beat the drop

WITH Super League survival at stake, Salford Red Devils take on Huddersfield Giants in the opening round of the Super 8’s qualifiers. Quays News reporter Andrew Riley takes a look at Salford and Huddersfield ahead of the vital game on the Sunday, August 7…

To say Salford Red Devils and Huddersfield Giants have history is putting it mildly…

In 2015, Salford Devils player Rangi Chase received a seven game ban for a “cannonball” tackle on the then Giants player, Brett Ferres.

Then this season, Giants former captain Danny Brough performed a similar tackle on the Devils’ flying winger Mason Caton-Brown, but it was not cited by the match review panel, despite Caton-Brown spending months on the sidelines injured.

In the opening 23 rounds, Salford took the spoils at the John Smiths stadium, 24-26, back in March, whilst the Giants pipped the Devils at the AJ Bell in June, 30-31, so this game should be a closely fought affair.

All of that was put aside though, as both clubs and sets of fans came together to remember Giants’ youth player Ronan Costello who had sadly died playing against the Devils the week previously.

This time around though, Super League status is at stake as they both want to get their qualifiers off to a flying start.

New Giants head coach Rick Stone will want his new charges to show what they are made of after a disastrous season so far.

When these two kick off at the AJ Bell, Head coach Ian Watson wants to reassure the fans that the players only have one objective.

Devils Qualifiers — Ian Watson has Super League survival in his sights…

Winning…

“We are focused on topping the qualifiers this time around,” Watson said.

“Last season, we struggled a bit, but this group of players have a belief that they have been hard done by, and they want to win.”

With two new players in the shape of dual title-winning Luke Burgess and Feliti Mateo, both arriving from Manly Sea Eagles, likely to be included in the squad, it’s a chance for fans to get to see what surely has to be the signing coup of 2016.

The club have a number of ticket offers for the Qualifiers, and are keen to get as many fans of the sport along for what will surely be a great afternoon of quality rugby league.

Prices in the west stand start from £15 for juniors and for adults reach £55 for all four of the club’s home games – or if you fancy the VIP package – that includes a meal – you can always pay £75 and watch the game in comfort.