Castleford v Salford preview: Daniel Vidot to make long-awaited debut
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 07/05/16 8:01pm
Former Brisbane Broncos winger Daniel Vidot is set to make his long-awaited debut for Salford in their Ladbrokes Challenge Cup sixth-round tie at Castleford on Saturday.
The 26-year-old Samoan international was a major signing for the Red Devils in the winter but he sustained a shoulder injury in training and has spent the first three months of the season recovering from surgery.
"It's an awesome feeling," said Vidot of his selection in coach Ian Watson's 19-man squad. "I can't wait to get out there with the boys.
"It's been a long wait for me on the sidelines but I've done all the hard yards and now I finally get my chance to show what I've got to offer."
Vidot is expected to occupy the left-wing spot, with former Castleford favourite Justin Carney on the right for Salford, who scored twice in a 32-16 triumph at the Jungle in Super League on March 13.
"They've a big enough back line anyway, he's just another addition," said Tigers coach Daryl Powell. "He'll be a threat."
Salford are also set to give a debut to 19-year-old hooker Matt Wilkinson in place of injured captain Tommy Lee and the suspended Logan Tomkins.
Castleford are boosted by the return of veteran full-back Luke Dorn, who has missed the last eight games with a hamstring injury.
"I'm hoping he's going to be okay," said Powell. "He's run today [Thursday] and seemed to go okay but we'll check on him tomorrow.
"He's a quality player who makes our attacking game look a whole heap better when he's out there."
Powell also welcomes back Jake Webster and Junior Moors, who were late withdrawals from the team that lost to St Helens on Sunday, and ex-Huddersfield forward Larne Patrick, who injured an ankle on his debut against Hull KR a fortnight ago.
Meanwhile, Powell is confident long-serving prop Andy Lynch will be back before the end of the season after suffering a broken fibula against St Helens and undergoing ankle surgery.
"He's had an operation on Wednesday and it will be 10 to 12 weeks," said Powell.
"On the back of Michael Shenton being out for a significant part of the season, it's a blow. He's such a pivotal figure for us.
"There are a number of players in our middle unit who are going to need to step up."
Castleford Tigers: Ryan Boyle, Matt Cook, Ben Crooks, Luke Dorn, Luke Gale, Ryan Hampshire, Jy Hitchcox, Lee Jewitt, Nathan Massey, Mike McMeeken, Paul McShane, Grant Millington, Adam Milner, Junior Moors, Joel Monaghan, Larne Patrick, Gadwin Springer, Denny Solomona, Jake Webster.
Salford Red Devils: Justin Carney, Michael Dobson, Niall Evalds, Mark Flanagan, George Griffin, Weller Hauraki, Josh Jones, Phil Joseph, Craig Kopczak, Olsi Krasniqi, Ryan Lannon, Rob Lui, Ben Murdoch-Masilla, Gareth O'Brien, Junior Sa'u, Daniel Vidot, Jordan Walne, Adam Walne, Matt Wilkinson.