MARSHALL PLAN
V SALFORD 6PM Salford coach plots downfall of his old club in first game
RICHARD MARSHALL was over the moon when Jack Welsby sealed St Helens’ unforgettable Grand Final win last year – now he is charged with bringing the champions back down to earth.
Marshall was assistant coach to Kristian Woolf as Saints produced the most remarkable finale in Super League’s 25-year history as they beat WiganWarriors.
He was also No2 under Justin Holbrook when the club sealed another title against Salford 12 months earlier. But now Marshall is in charge of the Red Devils after being appointed to replace Ian Watson, and the fixture list threw up an immediate reunion with his old club on opening night.
Marshall, right, said: “Woolfy was really good to work for – we had our ups and downs like every relationship but at the same time I learnt a great deal. His work ethic is second to none and he was always first in there and the last one out of the building, and that’s a really good trait.
“St Helens is a wonderful club – I’ve got a great deal of respect and admiration for the coaching staff and players. There’s a lot that’s good about that club and we want to emulate it.
“There’s not many weaknesses within their team, it’s world class, and I’m sure the squad Kristian has put together will be equally as good as last year if not better. For us, it’s a new team and we’ll
probably have six or seven players making their debuts. “There’s been a lot of change at the club, and with change comes freshness, new ideas and invigorated players.”
Marshall is without his only specialist hooker in Andy Ackers, while Saints are missing loose forward Morgan Knowles.
Woolf insists there is no chance of his side underestimating the Red Devils. He said: “Richard is a great coach and a terrific bloke and they’re going to be a much stronger side this year.
“Salford have a good squad and I know they’ll be well coached.
“We still want to evolve and improve, and over the first few weeks I’m sure we’ll be able to show a couple of new things.”