The Salford Red Devils will look to keep their slim chances of a Top 8 finish alive as they host the Castleford Tigers on Friday evening at the AJ Bell Stadium. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the clash:
SQUAD NEWS
Salford Red Devils
Head Coach Ian Watson has made two changes to the side that were defeated 52 – 22 at Hull KR at the weekend.
Logan Tomkins and Greg Johnson miss out having both picked up a foot injury, whilst Craig Kopczak and Luke Burgess have been named in the squad but are unlikely to feature. Ed Chamberlain keeps his place in the side having made his first start for the club at full back last week.
Salford Red Devils 19-man squad: Junior Sa’u, Robert Lui, Craig Kopczak, Josh Jones, Mark Flanagan, Lama Tasi, Ryan Lannon, Luke Burgess, Tyrone McCarthy, Ben Nakubuwai, Josh Wood, Derrell Olpherts, Lee Mossop, Jake Bibby, Levy Nzoungou, Daniel Murray, Jake Shorrocks, Ed Chamberlain, Greg Burke.
Castleford Tigers
Tigers Head Coach Daryl Powell has also made two changes to his side that comfortably beat Leeds Rhinos 42 – 10.
Kieran Gill and Joe Wardle return from injury to the squad replacing Nathan Massey and Jamie Ellis who miss out. James Clare is named in the squad having signed a new two-year deal at the club during the week.
Castleford Tigers 19-man squad: Jake Webster, Michael Shenton, Greg Eden, Junior Moors, Paul McShane, Grant Millington, Oliver Holmes, Adam Milner, Jesse Sene-Lefao, Joe Wardle, Matt Cook, Gadwin Springer, Jake Trueman, Mitch Clark, James Clare, Kieran Gill, Tuoyo Egodo, Liam Watts, Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e.
HEAD TO HEAD
Castleford last met Salford back in March at the Mend-A-Hose Jungle when the Tigers ran out 22 – 8 winners.
Tries from Michael Shenton, James Clare and Luke Gale- who also scored five goals- helped Castleford on the way to victory, with Junior Sa’u and Jake Bibby getting on the scoresheet in reply.
Previous to that, Castleford had won six of the last nine fixtures with Salford’s last win in this match coming back in March of 2017.
KEY BATTLE – Ed Chamberlain v Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e
Both players have only recently joined their current sides but Laulu-Togaga’e has had the better of it since he arrived in Super League at Castleford.
Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e breaks the line midway through the second half against Wigan. Photo Credit: Simon HallThe 32-year-old has taken his chance at the Tigers and has been a standout performer whether he has been deployed at half-back or in his preferred position of full-back, with his exciting running style and attacking play fitting seamlessly into the Castleford set-up.
For Chamberlain, he never got a chance to play full back at Widnes but Ian Watson gave him a chance last week and if Salford have any chance of winning they will need a composed performance from him.
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While the Irish International isn’t as exciting as his counterpart in attack, Chamberlain is a safe pair of hands under the high ball and can be called upon in defence.
It will be a interesting battle from both full-back’s who have contrasting styles of play.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Friday 13th July 2018
Venue: AJ Bell Stadium
Kick-off: 8:00pm
Referee: Chris Kendall
WHO WILL WIN?
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