Giants hit back on Brough’s future

Thewlis made the following statement after the club’s 16-16 Super League draw at Wigan’s DW Stadium.

“I have seen the press article that has caused understandable concern with our support base,” he said.

“It is without any substance, however given the damaging nature of the article we have no choice but to pass the matter to our lawyers.”

The newspaper claims have also been denied by head coach Rick Stone, who is alleged to have had a bust-up with Brough, but has described their relationship as ‘good as gold.’

“I haven’t been over here long enough to know how reputable The Sun is and where they got this story from,” said the Australian, who took over at the Giants last July.

“But they haven’t quoted anyone from our club. They haven’t spoken to me or to Danny about it, and as far as I’m concerned we’re as good as gold.

“He’s been really good for us, both on and off the field. I’m really happy with him, and his contribution as a senior player has been terrific.

“He wasn’t at his very best against Wigan, but he never stops trying, and puts his heart and soul into his game.”

As well as being disappointed with the press speculation, Stone also admits he was disappointed he didn’t leave the DW Stadium with both Super League points.

“To be honest, Wigan were there for the taking, so I am a little disappointed,” added Stone.

“They were down on players and were not at their best.

“It’s a real shame we didn’t take full advantage.

“However, we attacked a lot better than we did at Leigh last Friday (in losing 30-0).

“With Lee Gaskell in the halves I thought we showed more potency and strike, and we did genuinely challenge Wigan.

“Hopefully, we’ll build on this performance at home to Leeds on Friday night.” BEN MURDOCH-MASILA scored two tries as Salford fought back to end Castleford Tigers’ unbeaten start to the season with a 13-12 win at the AJ Bell Stadium.

It was Gareth O’Brien’s goldenpoint drop goal that kept the Red Devils in Super League last October and the full-back produced another telling one-pointer to clinch a 13-12 victory at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Salford achieved their thrilling victory without the services of Australian half-back Todd Carney, who is still waiting to make his debut after being an unused substitute, with coach Ian Watson loathe to disrupt his half-backs with the game in the balance.

Luke Gale put the Tigers ahead, grounding a loose ball after Salford failed to handle a high kick.

Murdoch-Masila’s try reduced the deficit to two as Gareth O’Brien missed the conversion, but Greg Minkin powered over to extend Castleford’s lead.

Murdoch-Masila scored his second try to get Salford within two points, before O’Brien’s penalty and drop-goal won it.

Castleford had been top of Super League before the game after winning their opening four matches, but Wigan’s draw with Huddersfield means they fall to second in the table.

The Tigers are the leading scorers in the competition this season, but they struggled to break down a resilient Salford defence.

O’Brien missed his first attempt at a drop-goal, but Castleford knocked on from the restart to allow the former Tigers loanee a second effort.

His kick earned Salford their third win of the season, taking them up to fifth in the early table.