Salford Red Devils take steps to improve ill-discipline at club
Thursday 28 May 2015 12:05, UK
Salford coach Ian Watson says the club have taken steps to improve the ill-discipline that he claims is hurting the Red Devils.
Salford have had seven first-team players suspended so far this season and have racked up a total of 27 matches in bans this season.
Adam Walne became the latest player to be banned after he was found guilty of two dangerous tackles during his side's 34-18 defeat by Warrington last weekend.
Cory Paterson, Rangi Chase, Gareth Hock (now with Leigh), Theo Fages and Darrell Griffin have all picked up suspensions since the start of February, while Weller Hauraki has served three separate bans.
Salford had four players missing through suspension for a game at Hull earlier this month - they unsuccessfully asked for a postponement - and stand-off Chase will still be an absentee against Widnes on the opening day of the Magic Weekend in Newcastle as he serves the final game of a seven-match ban.
"It is a concern when we're losing players all the time," Salford assistant coach Ian Watson said. "It's something we've spoken to the players about addressing and it's something as a club we've spoken about addressing because obviously it's costing us. Ill-discipline is costing us in games.
"I know we've got a few injuries, but it's generally suspensions that are hurting us at the moment."
Salford still have some key injury absentees but are hoping for a timely boost this week with the return of goal-kicker Josh Griffin, who could line up alongside brothers Darrell and George for the first time.
"He's seeing a specialist," Watson said. "He's started to up his training a little bit and we'll see how he comes through.
"This could potentially be the game where all three of them play together. George has been going real well and Darrell will come back into contention."
