Darrell, Josh and George Griffin to play for Salford days after father's death
Thursday 28 May 2015 21:13, UK
Salford's three Griffin brothers are set to play alongside each other for the first time on Saturday, just four days after the death of their father.
Darrell, 33, Josh, 25, and George, 22, have declared themselves available after speaking with Red Devils head coach Iestyn Harris and have been named in his 19-man squad for the Super League match against Widnes, which will open up Magic Weekend at Newcastle's St James' Park ground.
A minute's silence will be held before kick-off as a mark of respect to the Griffin family.
Josh, who has missed Salford's last six matches with a broken foot, broke the news of his father's death from a heart attack on Tuesday and admits it will be an emotional occasion on Saturday.
"Me and my brothers have put our hands up this week to play in memory of him," he wrote on Twitter. "Will be hardest thing we have done.
"He would have wanted us to take that field, he loved watching us play and I'm sure it's going to be an emotional experience."
Salford owner Marwan Koukash said: "I have nothing but admiration for the strength and professionalism of the three brothers."
The brothers' parents moved to Yorkshire from their Oxford home to be near Darrell as he embarked on his rugby league career with Wakefield in 2003.
Darrell, a prop who played for England in the 2010 Four Nations Series, went on to play for Huddersfield, where he appeared alongside Josh, and Leeds before joining Salford two and a half years ago.
Josh, a goal-kicking centre, had spells at Wakefield, Castleford and Batley before moving to Salford last season while George, a utility forward, played for Hull KR and London Broncos moving joining his two brothers at the AJ Bell Stadium in the winter.
