SALFORD RED DEVILS {2021}

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Salford Red Devils are pleased to announce the signing of Tongan halfback Ata Hingano until the end of the season, with the option to extend for a further two years.

Hingano, who is awaiting visa clearance before he can pull the Red Devils shirt on, is joining from Queensland rugby league outfit Mackay Cutters and can also play at stand-off.

The 24-year-old has also played in the NRL for the New Zealand Warriors and the Canberra Raiders and has represented Tonga eight times at international level, starting every game of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup at halfback for his country.

Hingano will linkup with Tui Lolohea once again, who he has played with during his time at New Zealand Warriors and at international level for Tonga.

Speaking on the addition of Hingano, head coach Richard Marshall said: “Ata is a brilliant addition to the squad and I’m happy to now have everything over the line regarding the signing.

“Having competed at an elite level over in the NRL and for his country, Ata promises to be an exciting player who despite still being quite young, will provide a good level of experience and knowledge.

“We’re looking forward to working with Ata. He’s a great organiser and kicker and he’ll compliment our existing halfbacks. He’s also quite young so still has time to grow and develop.”

Director of rugby and operations Ian Blease said: “I am really pleased that we have secured Ata’s signature for the rest of the season with an option for the following two years. It has been a long process seeking out a quality player, but we are there now.

“Ata will add class, determination and organisation and will give some fresh options for the head coach and for our team going forward.

“With our injury list not improving for some weeks yet, it is important that we show our supporters and sponsors that we are determined to compete at the highest level and Ata’s signing and pedigree gives us that new player injection which I’m really excited about.”

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.......AT LONG LAST THE TIDE HAS TURNED........

Betfred Super League

Huddersfield (2) 8

Tries: Joe Wardle Goals: Sezer 2

Salford (8) 9

Tries: Ackers Goals: Patton 2 Drop-goal: Atkin



Chris Atkin's drop-goal was enough to secure 12-man Salford Red Devils a first win in six Super League games, against Huddersfield Giants.

Andy Ackers' try gave Salford a first-half lead that not even the dismissal of James Greenwood could undo, as two Dec Patton goals set up a 8-2 lead.

Joe Wardle added a try, converted by Aidan Sezer, to a first-half goal by the scrum-half to level for the Giants.

Atkin notched a one-pointer, while Sezer struck a post with his effort.

Richard Marshall's side were humbled by Hull KR in their last Super League fixture and had lost their past six in all competitions, but even with the sending-off of Greenwood - when it actually looked like Dan Sarginson had committed the high-tackle offence on Adam O'Brien - the Red Devils showed character, grit and quality when needed to claim the win.

Giants boss Ian Watson, Salford's former coach, had fans on his side for the first time at the John Smith's Stadium this season but they were left disappointed by an at-times laboured performance.

Ackers' smart try from dummy-half caught them napping in the first half, and they never kicked on with a man advantage when Wardle burst onto Ricky Leutele's offload to bring them level with a conversion.

In fact, other than seeing close-range efforts for Jermaine McGillvary and Leroy Cudjoe foiled, there was little for Huddersfield's supporters to shout about as Salford ran hard and played smart to snatch the win.

The loss of O'Brien in the incident which led to the sending off was further angst at the end of a week in which the Giants had already battled against Covid cases and close contacts to put out their squad.

Huddersfield head coach Ian Watson on Greenwood sending off:

"We told the fourth official and the other official who was wired up that he had got the wrong man. We even tried to show him on the computer on the sideline.

"I had a discussion for about five minutes with him. All he had to do was tell the referee because he'll be held responsible. It was a huge error.

"He sent the wrong guy off and left one of the best players on the field who shouldn't have been on the field. It had a massive impact on the outcome of the game.

"I'd be surprised if he (Sarginson) doesn't get a load of games banned but it doesn't help us."

Salford head coach Richard Marshall:

"I think James and Dan Sarginson were involved in the tackle but the view I had was too far out to notice.

"For us to defend so well for 12 players was monumental. Obviously the win was important, as was the performance, but the over-riding feeling from the game was the team spirit.

"We lost our captain in the warm-up and played with 12 men for over half the game but we just repelled Huddersfield's threats in last 10 minutes.

"The resilience and determination was just fantastic, it typifies Salford, it's why the club have been so successful in the last couple of years."



Huddersfield: Golding; McGillvary, Jake Wardle, Leutele, Cudjoe; Gaskell, Cogger; Yates, O'Brien, Wilson, Edwards, Greenwood, Jones

Interchanges: Sezer, Lawrence, Joe Wardle, Trout

Salford: Sarginson; Sio, Burgess, Davies, Williams; Patton, Atkin; Ikahihifo, Ackers, Wells, Livett, Greenwood, Taylor.

Interchanges: Ormondroyd, Burke, Johnson, Roberts.

Referee: Scott Mikalauskas (RFL)

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** THE GAME BETWEEN HULL KR and St HELENS IS OFF - DUE TO COVID **

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