Devils look strong despite heartache
PLENTY TO GET EXCITED ABOUT FOR RED DEVILS DESPITE NARROW DEFEAT
IT WAS a heartbreaking end to the match for Salford as the last kick of the game drifted agonisingly wide to condemn them to a 14-12 defeat away to Wakefield, but there were plenty of encouraging signs in the performance.
Here’s five observations.
LUI AND LITTLEJOHN LOOK LIVELY
A first start for the expected firstchoice half-back partnership this season will have excited the Red Devils’ fans. Jack Littlejohn has been brought in as a replacement for the retired Michael Dobson and will likely take time to settle, but there were indications throughout that he and Rob Lui are very quickly striking up a solid understanding. A versatile player with good defensive attributes, it seems Littlejohn may well provide the structure that allows Lui to demonstrate his exciting attacking skills.
NO BLAME ON O’BRIEN
With those two in the halves, it meant a return to full-back for Gareth O’Brien, with Niall Evalds lining up on the wing. In addition to his solid defence and organisation, O’Brien was at the heart of almost all of Salford’s great work in attack, particularly in the second half.
After the match, the former Warrington Wolves player was devastated after missing all three of his conversion attempts in a two-point defeat, but each one was extremely difficult and had it not been for his excellent contribution in general play, the Red Devils would not have been in a position to take anything from the game anyway.
A SOLID DEFENSIVE BASE
Coach Ian Watson will be pleased with his side’s defensive efforts in particular, especially after shipping 40 points to Wigan last week. The team looked well organised and adjusted smartly when Wakefield started strongly and were dominating the ruck. And, as Watson predicted, the Warriors’ left-edge attack did much the same to Challenge Cup holders Hull FC in Australia on Saturday morning, demonstrating that despite the lopsided scoreline, Salford’s opening-round performance had not been all that bad.
DEBUT DELIGHT
Ben Nakubuwai made his Red Devils debut from the interchange bench and quickly showed why the Salford coaching staff were so keen to snap him up. It’s still very early days in the Fijian international’s Betfred Super League career, but he looked strong in defence.
GLORIOUSLY GOOD WOOD
Although Logan Tomkins was fit enough to make his first appearance of the season from the interchange bench, Josh Wood again started at hooker.
The 22-year-old’s full range of passing was in evidence and he introduced speed into the Red Devils attack from dummy-half, all-thewhile proving to be more than capable in defence.
Littlejohn may provide structure that allows Lui to demonstrate his exciting attacking skills