Watson’s planning to go on the attack
AS runs of fixtures go, they don’t get much tougher than facing three of last season’s top four, plus the Challenge Cup winners in the space of four weeks.
But that’s exactly what Salford are facing at the moment and following the defeat to unbeaten St Helens at the AJ Bell Stadium last week, today they head to Perpignan to take on cup holders Catalans.
The Dragons have strengthened significantly in the off-season and just yesterday announced the signing of 20-stone NRL-winning forward Sam Kasiano from Melbourne Storm.
And while he won’t be in Steve McNamara’s line-up this afternoon, the Les Dracs side – spearheaded by ex-Wigan trio Sam Tomkins, Matty Smith and Michael McIlorum – will pose a considerable threat, fresh from an impressive victory over Warrington Wolves.
“It’s always a tough place to go,” admitted Red Devils coach Ian Watson. “Our record is not great over there the last couple of years, as well.
“We want to go across with a real positive mindset and attack that straight from the beginning, in attack and defence.
“We’re looking to go there with a real positive performance and we’re trying to get the win there this year, but we know it’s going to be a real tough ask to do that and we need to be at our best to do that.”
Despite losing to Saints last time out, Watson was encouraged by what he saw from his team and is looking for more of the same.
“It will build on the performance from St Helens,” he said. “I thought that was a really good performance in terms of our attitude and effort to playing against them top teams.
“What we need to do is show that against Catalans we can compete against these best teams week in, week out. Catalans were up there last year, they won the cup and had a great performance against Warrington last week, so if we can go there and really set our stall out, it will bode well for the rest of the season.” Captain Lee Mossop misses out because of injury, but Ed Chamberlain is in line to make his first appearance of the season. The Red Devils will also take Adam Lawton on the trip over the Channel, though he has not been named in the 19-man squad. “We’ll take Adam Lawton with us,” confirmed Watson. “He’s been doing really well at Rochdale, so he’ll put a bit more pressure on Ian Watson our middles. As will Adam Walker just knowing he’s coming back the following week will put a bit more pressure on the players to make sure they’re performing and they’re doing their job.
“Adam is a known quality middle, so we’ll want to feature him as soon as we can really, once his ban is over, so it’s up to the boys to go out there and put their best performance out there so they maintain their place for the following week.”