Red Devils can be optimistic despite turbulent last season

THE 2018 Betfred Super League season will be remembered as hugely turbulent for Salford, but one that ultimately ended on a high.

Following Marwan Koukash’s departure, the transfer of ownership of the club took longer than had been anticipated and budgets had to be slashed.

The sale of Ben Murdoch-Masila eased the situation – as did the departure of Gareth O’Brien in the early weeks of the season – but the funds were never quite available to replace two key components of what had been a top-eight side in 2017. Captain Michael Dobson had also returned home to Australia, leaving behind a void in terms of both leadership and creativity, while half-back partner Rob Lui was seemingly unsettled by a public – and unwelcome – bid from Hull KR on the eve of the season. That came just days after Manu Vatuvei suffered a season-ending injury. Kriss Brining has missed the entire year with a serious neck issue.

Yet with extremely limited resources, Watson and his coaching staff – all of whom have felt the physical toll of taking a uniquely active role in training throughout the season – persevered and made a series of significant moves.

Weller Hauraki, club captain for the season, was loaned to Widnes as part of a deal that brought in both Greg Burke and Ed Chamberlain. Jackson Hastings, coveted Super League champions Wigan before re-signing at the AJ Bell Stadium for next year, proved a phenomenon, winning all the matches he featured in, but was a risk. With Watson at the helm and players such as Hastings, Lussick and Chamberlain locked in, there is definitely reason to be optimistic.