KEY FIGURES FOR SALFORD
Salford full-back Gareth O’Brien and centre Josh Jones were both outstanding as the Red Devils secured an important away win at Huddersfield. O’Brien tallied two tries and seven kicks as he scored 22 of his side’s 30 points, while Josh Jones’ incredible effort at the death sealed the victory for Ian Watson’s men. The win bumps Salford up to seventh and into the Super Eights – a position they will look to be in come July.
ALEX MELLOR IMPRESSING
Huddersfield youngster Alexย Mellor came up with a brace of tries for the Giants as the 22-year-old showed great ability in an attacking partnership with half-back Danny Brough. Mellor arrived at the John Smith’s Stadium on a three-year deal as a free agent from Bradford and will aim to continue his good form as Huddersfield look for a better season than in 2016.
SALFORD ON THE RIGHT TRACK?
Just two rounds have passed in this year’s Super League, but Salford already look determinedย to secure a top-eight spot. The side clearly have points in them, and Gareth O’Brien, who saved the club from relegation last season, could be their talisman in 2017. If the Red Devils can steer clear of financial and disciplinary issues which have hampered them in the past, this could be Ian Watson’s side’s best chance at a top eight spot since the beginning of the Super Eights system in 2015.
TIME FOR A RULE CHANGE?
Thursday’s game saw Danny Brough claim a rule was “b*******” – a remark he can be seen saying to referee James Childย after Josh Jones passed the ball from dummy-half into half-back Brough, who had brought down Greg Johnson in the previous tackle. The move resulted in a penalty to Salford as Brough was deemed to be interfering with play, despite the Scottish international being unable to move away. The incident has sparked debate over the pass being forward when it was taken, as well as the legality of the move by Jones.
FINAL SCORE
Huddersfield 20
Tries: McGillvary (x1), Mellor (x2), Ta’ai (x1)
Goals: Brough (x2)
Salford 30
Tries: Sa’u (x1), O’Brien (x2), Jones (x1)
Goals: O’Brien (x7)
