Red Devils are hit by Lui loss for Saints clash
SALFORD will look to make it three Betfred Super League victories in a row tonight, but face a tough challenge in the shape of league leaders St Helens.
The task is made all the more difficult because of an injury to talismanic halfback Rob Lui, who limped off before half-time in last week’s comprehensive win over Wakefield Trinity.
Coach Ian Watson revealed the halfback heard ‘a pop’ in his calf, but the Red Devils were encouraged by the fact he was able to walk off the pitch unaided and are hopeful he will not be ruled out for an extensive period.
His place in the side will go to on-loan Jake Shorrocks, who joined on a short-term deal from Wigan Warriors last month. “Jake has been very patient waiting for his opportunity,” said Watson. “He [could have] had that opportunity against Warrington, but we thought that for the continuity of the side it was better to go with the guys who have been training all season.
”Jake is someone I’m really keen to see play with us so, hopefully, he can play against St Helens and stake a claim for a half-back spot here.”
Young hooker Josh Wood, who has impressed when utilised as an emergency half-back in recent weeks, is also struggling with a shoulder knock, but despite these disruptions, Watson is confident in his side’s ability to match high-flying St Helens.
“We’re looking forward to Saints coming here,” he said. “In the first 30 minutes we really competed against them at Saints and then we dropped our standards and fell off our gameplan.
“We’re really looking forward to this one. Obviously, we’ll have to make a few changes, but I’m confident in our group to give them a really good challenge.”
Lee Mossop missed the win over Wakefield with concussion and Lama Tasi was absent through injury, but both are in line to return tonight.
However, the Red Devils may opt to stick with the forwards that proved so dominant against Trinity.
“All the pack was outstanding,” added Watson. “The way they worked defensively for each other, they all just nailed their jobs.
“There were some guys out there who had a point to prove, who had been waiting for an opportunity to perform and perform against a decent outfit like Wakefield.”
Meanwhile, the Challenge Cup sixth round draw has paired Salford with recently-relegated Leigh Centurions, with the match taking place at Leigh Sports Village on the weekend of May 12-13.
Elsewhere, Wigan Warriors will travel to Hull KR and Warrington will host Toronto Wolfpack. Whitehaven - who whitewashed Rochdale Hornets 38-0 in the fifth round - have been rewarded with an away trip to Catalans Dragons.