Impressive Lui grows into game
AFTER a tough opening quarter, a much-changed Salford competed well, but ultimately fell to a 22-6 defeat to Warrington Wolves on Saturday. Here’s five things we learned: FULL MARKS FOR LUI WITH Niall Evalds ruled out with concussion, Ian Watson was forced to shuffle the spine of his side, switching Rob Lui to full-back and handing a debut to loan signing Jake Shorrocks, who partnered Jack Littlejohn in the halves.
In the opening stages, Warrington exploited this unfamiliar set-up to race into a 12-point lead, but Lui soon stepped up and grew into the game, organising the Red Devils’ defence and retaining his customary threat when linking with the attacking line from the number one position.
Watson will likely hope he doesn’t have to play many more matches there, but Lui was impressive at fullback, going on to receive the man-of-the-match award voted for by the TV viewers.
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON... LOGAN Tomkins was absent through illness, meaning Josh Wood reverted back to hooker after starting the past two matches in the halves.
It meant Salford had no replacement nine on the bench, but when Wood had to take a rest, up stepped co-captain Mark Flanagan to fill in at dummy-half.
The ex-St Helens forward hardly put a foot wrong at nine and has clearly inherited those skills from his dad Terry – a former Oldham and Great Britain hooker.
LANNON OR LANGER? AFTER a slow start, the Red Devils looked to build some sustained pressure in the Warrington half and had some joy directing high bombs towards their right side.
But when Kris Welham patted one of those back on the last tackle, the ball somehow ended up with Ryan Lannon and he produced his best Alfie Langer impression to chip over the top of the Wolves’ defenders in front of him and trap Stefan Ratchford behind his own try line to earn a repeat set.
Impressive skills from the young forward.
HOME COMFORTS JOSH Charnley returned to Super League last month after 18 months in rugby union with Sale Sharks – and it didn’t take him long to demonstrate his familiarity with the AJ Bell Stadium.
His superb off-load created the first try of the match for Toby King inside the first five minutes and the ex-Wigan Warriors winger extended the Warrington advantage with a touchdown of his own just a few minutes later.
JUNIOR’S GIANT EFFORTS AS the final hooter sounded, Junior Sa’u’s shirt lay in tatters, barely clinging to his waist.
It was a sign of how difficult the Wolves had found it to stop the rampaging centre, with his carries again proving absolutely pivotal in much of Salford’s best work going forward.