Magic news for Devils as Lui back in the fold
RETURN MEANS ON-LOAN SHORROCKS DROPS OUT OF WATSON’S SQUAD
ROB Lui returns to the Salford squad for tomorrow’s crucial Magic Weekend clash with Catalans Dragons in Newcastle.
The Red Devils have struggled since the half-back limped off with a calf injury during the victory over Wakefield a month ago, suffering heavy Betfred Super League defeats to St Helens and Wigan before crashing out of the Challenge Cup at the hands of Championship Leigh Centurions last weekend.
Lui’s return means that on-loan Jake Shorrocks drops out of Ian Watson’s 19-man squad, but Gavin Bennion is in line to make his second Salford appearance. The former Rochdale Hornets forward made his Super League debut against the Warriors a fortnight ago, but featured on dual-registration for Oldham last week.
Ben Nakubuwai misses out after failing a concussion assessment following the loss against the Centurions.
On-loan forward Jordan Baldwinson is set to make his Leigh Centurions debut against former side Featherstone Rovers this afternoon. Veterans Ryan Bailey and Micky Higham keep their spots after impressing against Salford.
Liam Paisley could go straight into the Swinton squad for this weekend’s key home match against Barrow Raiders. After a long break over the Challenge Cup weekend, the Lions will be looking to pick up their first win of the season.
Rochdale will be hoping to put in an improved performance in the reverse of last week’s home defeat to Batley. That fixture had been postponed from the opening round of the season, meaning it’s a quick turnaround and an early opportunity for Alan Kilshaw’s side to get revenge in the first of an extended run of fixtures while the pitch at the Crown Oil Arena is relaid. Half-back Paul Crook will miss his first game of the season this afternoon when Oldham travel over the border to take on West Wales Raiders.
With Salford’s dual-reg forwards Gavin Bennion, Levy Nzoungou and Ryan Lannon unavailable, Scott Naylor recalls Liam Bent, Craig Briscoe and Jack Spencer. After a rest last week, Dave Hewitt and Matt Reid are likely to line up in the halves.
Wigan finally confirmed the signing of former Castleford Tigers and England fullback Zak Hardaker on a four-year deal yesterday.
The 26-yearold is currently serving a 14-month drug suspension, but will be eligible to feature for the Warriors from the start of next season. Chairman Ian Lenagan said: “his wasn’t a decision that we made lightly. We recognise the serious nature of this incident and our choice in offering this opportunity should not be seen as condoning his actions in any way. “We had extensive conversations with Zak and his family before making our offer. We encountered a man who, after eight months of reflection, openly admits that he has made a series of significantly poor decisions over the past few years. “Crucially, we also saw someone who recognises that this is the final opportunity to focus on delivering the achievements his talent should generate.”
The Red Devils have struggled since half-back Lui limped off during the Wakefield game Tom Bramwell