Salford: Qualifiers preview
Thursday 6 August 2015 17:07, UK
We take a look at Salford's Super League season so far, and preview their Qualifier hopes.
Story so far:
Oh dear. If 2014 left the good Dr Marwan Koukash disappointed, then 2015 will leave him positively raging.
Nothing’s gone right for Salford, from the injury crisis that had Assistant Coach Ian Watson almost lacing up his boots, to the Kevin Locke saga that saw the marquee signing join the only side below them in the table.
With confidence totally drained from the squad by the end of the regular season, the depleted Red Devils were thumped at Headingley, conceding 70 points, perhaps the final nail in the coffin in a miserable season. The question is, how does the doctor find the medicine to cure the problem in 2016?
What’s gone right:
Not too many positives to take from 2015. Rangi Chase’s memorable try assist against Hull FC was a standout moment from the season, which says a lot. Salford can also take heart from the performances of 21-year-old Niall Evalds, the man who’s kept Locke out of the side.
He’s shown why sometimes local players with plenty of passion can be better options than the marquee stars from the NRL.
What’s gone wrong:
Plenty. Injuries for one, but want-away players has been a real problem. There was the shock of Theo Fages’ transfer request, one of Super League’s hottest properties trying to force a move away from the AJ Bell Stadium. And the Kevin Locke saga has been rather damaging.
A move to Scottish Rugby Union looked on the cards at one point, so desperate were the Red Devils to move him on. Eventually Wakefield took the New Zealand star off their hands, but after arriving in such a blaze of glory, it’s almost cruel how badly that move has worked out.
Middle 8 chances:
On paper, it shouldn’t be a problem for Salford. But confidence is a real issue. There’s some tough games along the way, travelling to Bradford, Halifax, Widnes and Hull KR, and recent Super League hammerings won’t help their cause.
And let’s not forget that Leigh have already beaten them this season, albeit it in the Challenge Cup. It would still be a massive shock should Salford slide into the Championship, but it’s not beyond the realms of possibility.
One to watch:
Niall Evalds, as mentioned above, has been a real plus point for Salford. His energy and pace from the back puts some of his teammates to shame. He’s scored the joint-most tries with 12, made the most clean breaks, the second-most metres and the third-most tackle busts.
His performances are even more commendable given the chaos happening around him and considering the player that was waiting in line for his place. Hats off to you Mr Evalds.
