DEVILS HIT BY COVID CHAOS
Hell for Salford as two stars rubbed out of Challenge Cup final
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TWO Salford players have been left devastated after Covid-19 ruled them out of Saturday’s Challenge Cup final.
Their routine weekly tests came back positive to wreak havoc on the Red Devils plans for their first Wembley appearance for 51 years.
Another two players, who form part of Ian Watson’s Wembley squad, were also put into isolation yesterday after their tests were ruled inconclusive. They were retested and head coach Watson prays they get the all-clear today to face Leeds.
He said: “This is supposed to be one of the best weeks of your career going into a Challenge Cup final.
“But it has been a massive frustration and disruption.
“We have not been able to train since last week but it is what it is.”
The positive tests are an extra body blow to Salford, already facing an almighty task if they are to win their first cup for 82 years. Their small squad, plus a lengthy injury list, meant they had to name seven, possibly eight, of their Wembley line-up in this Super League clash with Hull KR at Warrington.
Leeds rested all their cup players for their clash with Warrington, and Watson added: “The most impressive thing is that nobody has complained. I cannot speak highly enough of the boys.”
Even the run- in to this fixture was stressful, after two Hull KR players returned inconclusive Covid test results. The kick- off was delayed for an hour while the two clubs and the governing bodies decided if the fixture could go ahead.
Rovers boss Tony Smith said: “We sat on the bus for an hour and a half while it was decided.
“We are grateful and lucky to be playing. It was close.”
But Smith said the hassle, plus the fact that neither club have much to play for in the League, was put into context by the presence of Mose Masoe.
The giant Kiwi joined the team for the first time since a career-ending spinal injury in pre-season and Smith said: “It was very emotional.
“He continues to be a big inspiration to us. He is one of the reasons we are taking things in our stride.”
Jamie Ellis won it for Rovers with a penalty as the hooter sounded after Ed Chamberlain had pulled Salford level minutes earlier.
Mike Lewis scored two tries, with Ben Crooks and Jordan Abdull grabbing their others. Connor Jones, Luke Yates and Oliver Ashall-Bott crossed for Salford.