Red Devils will show no fear against Wigan

SALFORD kick off their 2018 Betfred Super League campaign at home to Wigan Warriors tonight – the same way Ian Watson’s side began last season.

In that match, the Red Devils started slowly, but a strong second-half performance hinted at the displays that were to come, even if results did start to fade away in the latter half of the season as injuries took their toll on one of the league’s smallest squads.

And though the club has already been rocked by the long-term loss of winger Manu Vatuvei to a knee ligament injury in pre-season, Salford are raring to get back into competitive action. Co-team captain Mark Flanagan insists his team aren’t in the slightest bit daunted by taking on a Warriors side looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2017 and ensure they are again in the hunt for silverware.

“I personally really enjoy playing a big game at the start of the season, because you’re into it then,” explained the loose forward, who came through the Wigan academy.

“You’re not easing into it, you’re playing one of the top sides and it’s a great way to start.

“Wigan have been there or thereabouts for every season in history and that will be no different this year, so it’s good to test ourselves against one of the top teams and I can’t wait.”

A shoulder injury ruled Flanagan out of the back half of the 2017 season, but the 30-year-old is healthy again and itching to get back into action.

“I’m fully fit and raring to go,” he explained. “It was tough watching from the sidelines last year, especially seeing as how we had such a good start to the season.

“But that’s sport, that’s life and now I’m just ready to rip in against Wigan.”

Jack Littlejohn, the NRL halfback recruited to replace the retired Michael Dobson, is in line to make his debut for the Red Devils, who are without Ryan Lannon through suspension as well as the injured Vatuvei.

Wigan have included new signings Gabe Hamlin, a young Australian forward, and Dan Sarginson in their 19-man squad, with Sarginson set to make his first Warriors appearance since the 2016 Grand Final success after rejoining following Anthony Gelling’s departure.

Both Sam Tomkins and Morgan Escare are fit again, giving coach Shaun Wane something of a selection conundrum at full-back, while a combination of Tomkins, George Williams and Sam Powell are expected to spend time in the halves.

After a season at stand-off, Tommy Leuluai will revert to hooker – taking the place of Micky McIlorum, who has joined Catalans Dragons.