Injury-hit Salford forced into changes
SALFORD will yet again be forced into fielding a different halfback pairing for today’s trip to London Broncos following the injury picked up by Josh Wood in last week’s defeat to Leeds.
However, the blow is lessened by the fact Jack Littlejohn is available to feature for the first time in more than three months. Jackson Hastings will serve the second game of his two-match ban.
“I thought all the boys who played did really well at Leeds,” said coach Ian Watson. “They knew they would have to do it tough, but they really stuck with all their processes and showed belief in them. Josh Wood, until his injury, did a really good job in place of Jackson, while Rob Lui played particularly well and managed the game impeccably throughout, along with Joey Lussick.
“Jack Littlejohn wasn’t quite ready last week and there was no point in taking risks at that stage of his recovery, but the extra week has been good for him and he is now fully fit and looking forward to the game.”
Junior Sa’u is the other notable absentee from the 19-man squad, as he misses out with an arm injury. Lama Tasi drops out from the side that faced the Rhinos, while Lee Mossop and George Griffin remain sidelined.
The good news for Watson is that Luke Burgess returns from suspension, while Greg Johnson is also included after returning from injury.
The game is being played as the first fixture of a double header with OLDHAM’S crucial clash with London Skolars in League 1 - and Roughyeds have been given a significant boost with the news halfback Paul Crook is fit to return from a foot injury.
And with the disciplinary hearings resulting from Ben Davies and Luke Nelmes’ red cards last time out only being heard next week, Scott Naylor has a full deck to choose from.
SWINTON will be without George Tyson for the visit of Featherstone Rovers to Heywood Road tomorrow afternoon. He’s been given a one-match ban for dissent after disputing a match official’s decision during the Lions’ clash with Barrow.
Seta Tala is available for ROCHDALE’S home tie with Dewsbury Rams, while LEIGH welcome Batley Bulldogs to Leigh Sports Village for the penultimate round of the Championship Shield.