Red Devils ready to take their bow in Saints opener
RICHARD Marshall has revealed there will likely be ‘six or seven debutants’ when Salford take on back-to-back Champions St Helens on Friday evening to kick-start their Super League season.
We’ll know more when the new Red Devils coach’s inaugural competitive 17-man squad is published today, but here are the players most likely to be making their first appearances for the club...
■ MORGAN ESCARE
SIGNED seemingly as the replacement for Niall Evalds. A celebrated fullback at Super League and international level, it seemed Escare was nailed on to fulfil that role when he was handed the club’s No.1 shirt.
However, both he and Dan Sarginson spent time in that position during the pre-season friendly against Wigan. But while it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the England man appear there throughout the season, Escare should be the man lining up at the back for this round one clash.
■ DANNY ADDY
HIGHLIGHTED by his head coach as the club’s star performer through pre-season, Scotland international Addy seems set to start his Red Devils career at loose forward. His versatility will be a huge asset for Marshall, however, as he’s more than capable of filling in at dummy half should firstchoice hooker Andy Ackers need a rest.
■ ELIJAH TAYLOR
TAYLOR enjoyed a fruitful career in the NRL and has represented New Zealand at the World Cup, so brings lots of experience to the pack.
He’s only just turned 31 and is a silky ball-playing forward who is also extremely solid in defence. He’ll likely line up in the second row, but has all the skills required to move to the 13 role should a reshuffle be required at any point.
■ JACK WELLS
WITH Greg Burke and Darcy Lussick not fit, there’s a chance to cement a spot in the squad for former Wigan Warriors forward Wells, who joined his hometown team in the off-season.
He was impressive in the victory over his old employers a fortnight ago and has a real chance to stake a claim for a regular spot in Marshall’s matchday squad.
■ HARVEY LIVETT
IT’S fair to say Harvey Livett’s versatility might have worked against him across his career to date, preventing him from nailing down a regular role or position.
But when you come up against teams such as St Helens - who have strengthened their pack even more since last season - being able to carry a forward on the bench who is capable of slotting in at centre or even in the halves is invaluable.
■ DEC PATTON
PATTON missed the friendly with Wigan because of a minor hip complaint and it may well be that Marshall opts to go with four forwards on the bench to counter Saints’ size - in which case Sam Luckley might be in with a shout for a debut - but Patton has a point to prove after leaving Warrington.
His favoured position is in the halves, but he’s been working a lot in pre-season in the dummy half role and could well be an excellent bench utility option throughout the season.