Young Devils are flourishing
NO coach would choose not to have some of their key players available for long periods, but Ian Watson is keeping positive and focusing on the experience some of Salford’s younger guys have been getting in recent weeks.
The Red Devils boss has been without ex-Wigan Warriors forward Lee Mossop for the bulk of the season and recently lost Lama Tasi and Mark Flanagan to injuries that have ended their respective campaigns.
And with no reserve side or academy at Salford, Watson has been forced to blood otherwise inexperienced youngsters - but is pleased with the progress they have made so far.
“There are some positives to take from our recent struggles and one of those is definitely the young lads getting some game time,” said the Salford coach.
“Jake Bibby, Ryan Lannon, Daniel Murray have all been great when they’ve stepped in. This experience of playing the top teams at this level of competition is very intense and it will make them better players going forward.
“Obviously, it’s tough for us at the moment, but the young guys in the team are getting their chance and improving every week and next year the squad will be a lot stronger for it.”
The Red Devils have been on a difficult run, winning just one of their last nine Super League fixtures, and despite seeing the advantages to be taken into 2018, Watson is not yet giving up hope of his side finishing the current season with a flourish.
“The big thing is this year and what we’ve still got left to play for,” he said.
“We’ve got a chance of reaching another semi-final with a top-four finish and then there’s always the chance of Old Trafford and the Grand Final if we get in that top four.”