Salford set for early clash with big Ben
SALFORD will come face-to-face with their former star second-rower Ben Murdoch-Masila earlier than expected in the new year after the Red Devils confirmed a friendly against the Tongan international’s new club Warrington.
The match – on Saturday, January 20 – will be the first home game for new Wolves boss Steve Price and a number of his new signings, including World Cup star MurdochMasila.
After two impressive seasons with the Red Devils, the 26-year-old made the switch to the Halliwell Jones Stadium, bringing in a £175,000 transfer fee for Ian Watson’s side.
At the end of the 2017 season, Murdoch-Masila became the first Salford player to be voted into the Super League Dream Team in more than a decade.
Meanwhile, former Wigan centre Dan Sarginson has been told he is free to return to the UK - and possibly the Warriors - after a year with NRL side Gold Coast Titans.
Shaun Wane’s side will be in the market for a player in that position should, as expected, Anthony Gelling leave the club to return to his native New Zealand.
Sarginson made just five appearances for the Titans in an injury-hit campaign and new Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan has told the former London Broncos player he does not feature in his long-term plans.
“One thing I am is honest. I was upfront with Dan and said he might struggle to crack it in our NRL squad,” Brennan told Australian press.
“There was an English club that showed interest in him which was beyond 2018 and I wasn’t willing to extend at this point.”
Hull KR, coached by former Red Devils director of rugby Tim Sheens, are also believed to be interested in Sarginson.
“Dan joined us as a youngster in 2014 who was relatively new to the game and left us as a Grand Final winner and an England international,” said Wigan head coach Wane.
“He knows what we’re all about and having spoken with him recently I know just how keen he is to play regularly, compete for honours and get started with pre-season training.”
During his first spell at the DW Stadium, Sarginson scored 26 tries in 82 appearances and the Perth-born Londoner expressed his delight at securing a return.
“I can’t wait to get back to the club I have so many fond memories with including the greatest moment of my career, winning the 2016 Grand Final,” he said.
“Although it didn’t work out the way I would have liked due to injuries, I’m glad to have had the experience of playing in the NRL.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back amongst it with the boys and to the new season ahead.”
Sarginson joins a growing list of Wigan players to return after spells in Australia, following in the footsteps of Sam Tomkins, Joe Burgess and Thomas Leuluai - none of whom enjoyed the same level of success Down Under as they did with the Warriors.