Long wait over for Olpherts as he gets the nod
DERRELL Olpherts will finally make his Betfred Super League debut when Salford travel to Widnes tonight.
The 26-year-old joined the Red Devils from Newcastle Thunder ahead of the 2018 season and despite being named in a couple of Ian Watson’s matchday squads, he has yet to get a taste of top-flight action.
However, Olpherts - who played for Featherstone and Dewsbury before slipping away from the professional game and subsequently returning with Hemel Stags and Thunder – will get his chance tonight.
“He’ll be getting his debut so that’s a big one for us and a big one for Derrell,” said Salford coach Watson.
“We’re looking forward to it because we’ve put quite a lot of work into him and he’s doing things really well.
“He’s not a young lad but he’s young in terms of Super League experience. With the maturity he’s shown in the off-season and during the season waiting for his chance and working hard, I think he’ll come in and take it with both hands.”
If the Red Devils secure victory tonight, it would be the first time they have enjoyed back-to-back wins since May – and a first away win in 10 months.
Craig Kopczak is included in the 19-man squad for the trip to the Select Security Stadium, despite recent speculation over his future at the club.
“The club have been pretty adamant that there is no need to sell,” said Watson.
“There probably has to be a stronger message that we’re looking to build and enhance our squad going forward. I presume until we actually do bring somebody else in, people will keep thinking they can come and get some of our players.
“We’ve been speaking to a couple, but the tough thing is Easter coming up, nobody wants to move anybody yet.”
Ryan Lannon is included in the Salford squad for the first time this season, having made his only appearances of 2018 with dualregistration partners Oldham.
The 22-year-old forward was sent off in the club’s final fixture of last season and so missed all of the Red Devils’ pre-season friendlies and the opening round of Super League.
He has since struggled to break into the first team, but with Luke Burgess missing out, the Wigan-born youngster could feature.
Widnes have made no changes to the squad that took on Wakefield on Saturday evening – a game that lasted just 27 minutes until it had to be abandoned because of snow.