Ben’s got real steel in his veins
The former England coach was missing a host of key players through suspension and injury, including influential pair Greg Bird and Richie Myler.
But the French youngsters that McNamara put his faith in stood up to their more experienced opponents in a It didn’t deter the home side however, and they moved ahead SALFORD back rower Ben Murdoch-Masila should be a contender for the Steve Prescott Man of Steel according to Jamie Jones-Buchanan.
Murdoch-Masila has terrorised Super League defences all season, racking up 11 tries for the Red
Williams then took the game away from the Dragons when he reached over to score after Wane’s side had managed to Devils. And veteran Leeds star Jones-Buchanan says he should be considered for the competition’s top individual award at the end of the year.
Jones-Buchanan said: “Salford are a very dangerous side and Murdoch-Masila is right up there with the Man of Steel contenders, the way he’s performed recently and the damage he causes.
“Salford get the ball to the edges and they’ve got threats right throughout the team. They’re a great side and it’s no accident that they’re in the top four.”
Leeds have their own new star on the rise in 17-year-old full-back Jack Walker, who was outstanding in last week’s win over St Helens.
Jones-Buchanan added: “We’re seeing the next generation coming in to a decent side and putting in performances.
“We’ve got a bit of cohesion this season, whereas last year we had some issues and problems and we were regrowing in a way.
“Lads like Ash Handley, Ashton Golding and Jordan Lilley got thrown into the deep end a bit – it was a baptism of fire.
“But it’s a much improved team now and Jack Walker is coming into a top four side.
“He was absolutely sensational and reminds me a bit of a young Sam Tomkins – he’s got all the skills to be world class.”