Rugby League talking points: Salford Red Devils' record and Toronto Wolfpack's return home
Monday 29 April 2019 14:55, UK
Salford Red Devils' new record-breaker, Toronto's homecoming, a trip to the NRL and the Championship all feature in this week's talking points.
Evalds creates new history
Round 13 marked Salford Red Devils' sixth victory of the season and a landmark day for 25-year-old Niall Evalds.
Evalds, a former Siddal junior, made his debut for the side back in 2013 and has now scored 66 Super League tries for the Red Devils, more than any other player in their history.
The four-pointer that broke the record was one of four scored by the visitors in the first half against London Broncos.
A 24-0 half-time lead set the platform for a 30-10 victory and further highlights their form on the road.
After the match, head coach Ian Watson took time to credit the fans that made the journey to London.
"Every time we go away the crowd's really, really loud and our following support's been really good," said Watson.
"After the Warrington match, I remember coming home and speaking to my dad about it and my wife, and they were saying you could hear the Salford supporters on the radio.
"They're really vocal. We need to give them that energy with a really strong start at home, so they get behind us at home as well and give us that kind of energy."
The victory moves the Red Devils up to 12 league points, double that of the Broncos, and pitches them just two points from the play-offs. Next, a home outing against Leeds Rhinos awaits.
Wolkfpack return home
At the Lamport Stadium, 9,562 fans watched Toronto Wolfpack beat the Swinton Lions 52-10 and that crowd is the highest, single-game attendance, for any Championship game.
Blake Wallace scored 24 points as the Wolfpack marked a sixth successive win in style.
From a 'post-game party', complete with a Game Day DJ, to all of the action on the pitch the home side had it all as Brian McDermott's maiden home match in charge went according to plan.
After their significant wait for a return to playing on home soil, this was their first outing there since October's Million Pound Game, their next arrives quickly.
Fourth-placed Bradford Bulls are the visitors on Saturday and will look to disrupt the feel-good factor.
Halifax part company with Marshall
Halifax parted company with their coach Richard Marshall last week. Marshall, who won the Championship coach of the year twice, joined the club back in 2015 and guided them to three top-four finishes.
"It is with regret that my time at Halifax has come to an end. Both parties agree that it is time to part ways," said Marshall in a statement.
"I have enjoyed all the challenges and successes of the last four seasons and leave a legacy that includes three top-four finishes and consistently overachieving with a team of highly committed part-time players."
"I would like to thank everybody associated with the club. I have received the most amazing support from all involved, including staff, sponsors and loyal fans, but particularly I would like to thank the players who have wholeheartedly supported me and my vision for the club.
"I wish the club every success for the future and now look forward positively to my next role in professional rugby."
Marshall's work has spanned across the full spectrum at the club and included introducing reserve grade, academy and women's teams as well as supporting Halifax's wheelchair side during his tenure.
His philosophy of supporting homegrown talent saw an array of local based players prosper with 12 of the current first team squad having come through their system.
Simon Grix took charge of the side for their 32-24 win over Sheffield Eagles with the assistance of Scott Murrell.
A return and an injury for Manly
In the NRL, Manly's fourth win of the season was a bittersweet one.
At Lottoland, Lachlan Croker celebrated a successful return to the NRL with two tries however Daly Cherry-Evans limped off early in the second half.
Croker's arrival marked the end of a 12 months out after suffering a season-ending knee injury almost a year ago to the day against Newcastle.
His two tries bookended half-back Cherry-Evans' departure from the field and the emotion of the occasion was clear to see for the 22-year-old.
Cherry-Evans' injury not only provides concern for the Sea Eagles but may put his place in the Queensland team for State of Origin in jeopardy.
The 30-year-old was tipped by many for the captaincy and a nervous wait now ensues as scans are done.
Finally, a shock for Widnes
Liam Finn was the toast of Dewsbury after his drop goal helped the part-time Rams stun full-time Widnes Vikings in Sunday's Championship clash at the Halton Stadium.
With the scores locked at 24-24 heading into the final two minute, Finn, who had a spell on loan at Widnes in Super League last year, slotted over the one-pointer to snatch a much-needed victory for Dewsbury which lifted them up to 10th in the table.
It was a rare home defeat for the Vikings too, with no away side having won there in the Championship since 2011.
