Zak’s fired up to be a part of Wane’s world Wigan Hull KR
ISRAEL FOLAU helped kill off Salford’s brave fightback to secure Catalans’ third successive win since his debut.
The visitors had closed the gap to 10 points late in the second half when controversial recruit Folau sent winger Lewis Tierney over to seal the result.
Ian Watson’s Red Devils went through hell early in this match as the Dragons produced a no-nonsense first-half performance.
This time last season, Salford chalked up a stunning 46-0 victory. But revenge was sweet for Super League’s French outfit as a James Maloney-inspired display added weight to the growing opinion that the Dragons will be in the play-offs mix this season.
Ex-Wigan hooker Micky McIlorum opened the scoring with a short-range try from dummy-half on six minutes, Maloney adding the conversion.
Former Aussie international Maloney put the Dragons further ahead with a penalty and then Matt Whitley chipped over the defence to touch down in the left corner.
Whitley doubled up, collecting a Maloney kick over the line for his second try on the half hour, Maloney again converting to make it 18-0.
But Salford – last year’s surprise Grand Finalists – roared back in the second half and briefly threatened an upset.
A dazzling solo run from full-back Niall Evalds saw him step around Sam Tomkins to score on the right.
And Ken Sio gave the visitors hope with a clever touchdown on the right corner flag before being bundled into touch.
Catalans countered, forcing Salford into a series of drop-outs before Maloney struck a penalty to make the score 20-10 midway through the second half.
Salford again raised their hopes by taking advantage of a Tomkins fumble for Sio to add his second to cut the margin to six points.
Tierney, though, eased the Dragons’ nerves with a break which sent over Fouad Yaha.
And it was Tierney who finished proceedings following good work from Folau with a streaking try on the right.
ZAK HARDAKER is buzzing at the prospect of finally being coached by Shaun Wane.
The new England boss signed Hardaker for Wigan in 2018 – but left before the player had served a drugs ban.
The ex-Leeds and Castleford star (below) has thrived under Adrian Lam, scooping three major club awards and turning his life around off the pitch.
But Hardaker admits the thought of coming under Wane’s wing, after being named in his first squad last week, will give him extra incentive to shine this year.
He said: “I was over the moon when Shaun was picked as England coach because I know he will bring passion back into the game.
“I have always admired and respected him as a coach and was really disappointed we didn’t work together at Wigan.”
The centre, who has won five England and two Great Britain caps, is aiming to fight his way into Wane’s side for the Ashes Series this year.
Hardaker, who can also play full-back, said: “I have never played against Australia and I’m really passionate about representing my country so it’d be a massive honour.
“But I know I have to keep doing well for Wigan first.”
Hardaker’s troubled past is well documented but he claims the dark days are behind him.
He said: “I’ve got everything I need and want now.
“I thought I was happy before but there were times when I wasn’t and didn’t realise it.
“I don’t think about what’s happened before.
“I had a really good season with Wigan last year and enjoyed my rugby as well as my life outside and that’s continuing.”
Wigan are big favourites to beat struggling Hull KR this afternoon. But Hardaker, 28, said: “I have been playing in Super League for 10 years and on more than one occasion I’ve lost to teams that were struggling.
“We know that they will be dangerous if we don’t focus.”