Red Devils look to continue unbeaten run in Rhinos clash
SALFORD coach Ian Watson has named an unchanged squad for the third successive Betfred Super League fixture as they look to continue their unbeaten start to the campaign at home to Leeds tomorrow.
Second-rower Tyrone McCarthy and outside back Jake Bibby have been the two that have missed out in the victories over Huddersfield Giants and London Broncos and are looking to make their first starts of the year.
Leigh have Danny Richardson in their squad for the visit of Featherstone Rovers after the halfback - a member of the 2018 Super League Dream Team - was made available on dualregistration from St Helens. As a result, on-loan halfbacks Oliver Russell and Josh Woods drop out of John Duffy’s squad.
The 22-year-old was an ever-present for Saints last season after getting the nod ahead of former England scrum-half Matty Smith but lost his spot to Theo Fages for the first two games of the new season.
Richardson, who was in the England Knights squad but missed the tour to Papua New Guinea last October through injury, has joined the Centurions on dual registration as part of the partnership between the two clubs and has been named in coach John Duffy’s squad for the game against Featherstone.
Richardson joins his Saints team-mates Matty Costello, Aaron Smith and Jack Ashworth as dualregistered players at the Leigh Sports Village, while prop Luke Douglas will this weekend complete a one-month loan arrangement.
Rochdale travel to Toulouse to take on an Olympique side without a win from their first two fixtures. Coach Carl Forster is looking for some improvements from his team following the defeat to Toronto last time out.
“Training has gone well this week, we have addressed what went wrong and look to put it right this week,” he said.
“Unfortunately Ben Morris is out with a broken wrist for up to six weeks and Liam Carberry is out for a week or two.”
Stuart Littler takes his Swinton side to Dewsbury on the back of a muchimproved performance against Bradford Bulls last week. Harry Smith impressed on debut on loan from Wigan in that game and the Lions will be looking for more of the same.
Oldham kick off their League 1 campaign with the visit of Workington Town to the Vestacare Stadium.
“It’s great to be at home on day one, but we’ve got to make it count,” said coach Scott Naylor.
“I’m sure we are good enough to start the season strongly, which we need to do.”
Meanwhile, the all-National Conference League Premier Division Coral Challenge Cup third round tie between Thatto Heath Crusaders and Rochdale Mayfield has been selected for live streaming by BBC Sport on Saturday, March 9 (2pm).
Thatto Heath, have notched up impressive wins against Stanningley and Leigh Miners Rangers.