GREENWOOD’S THE MAN FOR OLE
SALFORD JUST ONE GAME AWAY FROM GRAND FINAL PLACE AT OLD TRAFFORD
TIPPED for a relegation scrap at the start of the season, Salford have upset the odds to even be involved in the 2019 Betfred Super League playoffs and after the convincing 22-0 victory over Castleford, are now just 80 minutes from the Grand Final at Old Trafford.
Known for their potent attack spearheaded by departing playmaker Jackson Hastings, it was the Red Devils’ defensive efforts that stood out in the battle Elimination Final win against the Tigers, typified by a stunning try-saving tackle by fullback Niall Evalds midway through the first half.
The win followed a narrow defeat to reigning champions Wigan last week and coach Ian Watson spoke of his pride at his side’s efforts in what was only the club’s third ever playoff appearance.
“It was a great performance, a real professional performance,” said the Red Devils boss, who is one of the nominees for the Super League Coach of the Year award at next week’s Super League Awards ceremony.
“We began to get a bit sloppy after 20 minutes when we started to force the offload, which let Castleford back in the game, but the scramble defence by Niall gave us confidence.”
The Red Devils had to wait 24 hours to find out who they would be playing next week in the Preliminary Final, with Watson the studio guest for Sky Sports’ coverage of the St Helens versus Wigan clash.
And last night he watched from the studio as Saints thrashed the Warriors
40-10 with a seven-try demolition job.
So Salford travel to Wigan next Friday for the second play-off semi final with the winners of that heading to Old Trafford to tackle St Helens for the big prize on Ocober 12.
Before last night’s game, Watson, the former Swinton Lions coach, insisted his team did not mind at all who they face.
Salford came within a minute of beating league leaders and Shield winners Saints at Langtree Park earlier in the season and were only narrowly beaten by the Warriors at the DW Stadium in the first round of the playoffs.
“We can look forward to whoever we play next week,” said Watson. “I’m not bothered who we play. We showed last week that we’re a serious team who can compete with anyone.”
The match was a final home fixture for Jackson Hastings, who is leaving to join Wigan in 2020. He capped his performance with a try in front of the AJ Bell Stadium’s adoring South Stand fans in the closing stages of the match and told Sky Sports after the game that it was a ‘dream come true’ to move one step closer to the Grand Final.
“So much was talked about in preseason about where we were predicted to finish, but we just kept fighting,” said the Australian halfback, who will replace England international George Williams in the Warriors halves next season.
“We’re not the most talented group and the finances are low, but the coach believes in us. I want to win a Grand Final and we go again on Friday.”
It was a great performance – the scramble defence by Niall (Evalds) gave us confidence Ian Watson