MATCH PREVIEW | Salford Red Devils v Leeds Rhinos
In-form Salford face an out of form Leeds at the AJ Bell Stadium. Here’s everything you need to know.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Salford Red Devils
Salford will be confident having won their opening two games against London and Huddersfield. A third win would be a huge statement from the Red Devils.
Leeds Rhinos
Last week’s demoralising loss to Wigan showed how far the Rhinos still have to go, despite vast improvements from the Warrington game. Leeds are looking for their first points under coach David Furner.
SQUAD NEWS
Salford Red Devils
Salford have named an unchanged 19-man squad for the game for the third consecutive game.
Salford 19-man squad:
Evalds, Welham, Sa’u, Bibby, Lui, Mossop, Dobson, Jones, Griffin, Flanagan, Lussick, Burke, McCarthy, Nakubuwai, Tomkins, Olpherts, Sio, Turgut, Hastings.
Leeds Rhinos
The Rhinos have named the same 19-man squad that lost to Wigan a week ago.
Prop Brad Singleton remains in the 19, despite being sent down to play for Featherstone last week, a move which shocked many.
Leeds 19-man squad:
Walker, Briscoe, Watkins, Hurrell, Handley, Lolohea, Myler, Cuthbertson, Parcell, Singleton, Merrin, Ward, Dwyer, Sutcliffe, Ferres, Peteru, Oledzki, Donaldson, Newman.
HEAD TO HEAD
The Rhinos have won eight of the last ten meetings between the two sides. However, when the two sides met at the AJ Bell last season, Salford ran out 38-22 winners.
Salford’s Niall Evalds has scored 7 tries against Leeds, and will be hoping to add to that total on Sunday.
KEY BATTLE
Jackson Hastings (Salford) v Richie Myler (Leeds)
Both players arrived at their respective clubs with a point to prove. While Myler was a bright spark in an under-performing Rhinos squad last season, Hastings took the league by storm. Hastings seems to have changed the Salford’s fortunes and big things are expected from him this season whilst Myler is expected to lead a Leeds side that has struggled with creating opportunities. The battle between these two halves will most likely decide the game.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Sunday 17th Februray
Venue: AJ Bell Stadium
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: James Child
WHO WILL WIN
It could be a closer game than many expect. I expect to see a much improved Leeds side, but Salford may still be too much for them. 22-18 Salford victory.
