Devils’ defence is the key to victory
AFTER defeat at Leeds last weekend brought Salford’s run of superb form to an abrupt halt, the Red Devils will look to return to their best in front of the Channel 4 cameras at the AJ Bell Stadium this afternoon.
In headline-grabbing victories such as those against St Helens and Catalans, it has been a renewed defensive solidity that has been the cornerstone for Paul Rowley’s team, but that side of the game was lacking against the Rhinos.
With high-flying Huddersfield, coached by former Salford boss Ian Watson, the opposition today, the Red Devils coaching staff are keen to see an improvement.
“We didn’t deliver in certain areas of the game, especially defensively,” said assistant coach Danny Orr.
“We created a few opportunities in attack, which was nice, but produced far too many errors and defensively we were off and that was disappointing.
“Most teams will always say ‘get your defence right and your attack will come on the back of that’ and we’re no different. We want to defend strong and we just didn’t do that - and obviously, playing against a big, physical pack this week, we’ll need to improve in that area.”
Sam Luckley picked up a head knock against Leeds and misses out today under the competition’s concussion protocols, while Dan Sarginson will not be risked after his withdrawal at half-time with a slight hamstring strain, though he is expected to be fit for selection next week. Shane Wright made his longawaited return from injury last time out and his performance was one of the main positives for Salford.
“Like a lot of teams have, we’ve been struggling for numbers so it’s good to have him back, a player who can play back-row and in the middle,” said Orr.
“He played in the middle last week and I thought he did a really good job. It was his first game in a long time but he didn’t look out of place - his fitness levels were really good.”
A strong rivalry has built between the Red Devils and Huddersfield in recent years, exacerbated by Watson’s departure for Fartown at the end of the 2020 season.
But while Orr insists it’s not something the playing group are focusing on, he hopes the fans will generate an atmosphere that spurs their side onto victory.
He said: “I don’t buy into the rivalry personally, it’s the link with Watto and his time here, but he’s moved onto Huddersfield.
“There’s a link and people might think it’s a grudge match, but he’s doing his job there and we’re doing our job here.
“The fans have been great in recent weeks and they’ve got right behind us.
“They come out in numbers, which is always nice and, hopefully, we can put on a good performance and give them something to sing about.”