Salford Red Devils will want to continue their 2018 Qualifiers form into the 2019 season. We take a look at their 2018 season.
2018 Club Record
Wins: 12
Losses: 18
Competition Points: 14 after regular season (11th), 10 in Qualifiers (1st)
2018 Player Achievements
Most Tries: Jake Bibby (11)
Most Points: Robert Lui (86)
Season Summary
After losing chairman Marwan Koukash, it was always going to be a roller coaster season for the Red Devils. Could they survive without the man who re-energised the club? Losing Gareth O’Brien during the season to Toronto meant the club had a void for a playmaker. Jackson Hastings arrival in August lifted the side to give them a 1st place finish in the Qualifiers.
With big names such as Michael Dobson and Ben Murdoch-Masila leaving the side pre-season, the Red Devils did not make sufficient signings to replace star men. Their hope for a top 8 finish looked slim.
Their season could be described as inconsistent. A strong Qualifiers campaign was needed after a weak regular season. Hastings half-back partnership with Robert Lui was the key to their success towards the latter end of the season and that looks set to continue to blossom throughout 2019.
NothingButLeague Player of the Season
Jackson Hastings – Since his arrival in August, the side came to life. Every game that he played in, the side won. That is how much of an impact he has had. Escaping the NRL after a turbulent time may well be the best move of his career. Good news for Salford as he has committed to the club for the 2019 season.
https://nothingbutleague.com/2018/07/12/salford-land-jackson-hastings/
2019 GAINS AND LOSSES
Gains
Gil Dudson (Widnes Vikings, 2020), Adam Lawton (Redcliffe Dolphins, 2019), Ken Sio (Newcastle Knights, 2021)
Losses
Kriss Brining (released), Gavin Bennion (Swinton Lions), Jack Littlejohn (released), Craig Kopczak (Wakefield Trinity), Lama Tasi (Warrington Wolves), Weller Hauraki, Ryan Lannon (both Hull KR)
