👉 SALFORD RED DEVILS {2022} 👈 + WORLD CUP.....

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..Salford Red Devils boss slams ‘horrendous’ training pitch after spate of injuries..


Salford Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley has described the club’s training pitch as “horrendous” and “not fit for purpose” following a series of injuries.

Rowley is in his first pre-season as Salford boss but preparations for their Super League campaign have been hindered by the facility next to the AJ Bell Stadium which is used for training.

He said that the sand surface has been responsible for a spate of injuries, giving him a headache ahead of their pre-season friendly programme.

“There’s been two challenges,” said Rowley. “One of them is what everyone has been doing, dealing with the Covid situation, and we’ve had a lot of injuries caused by our training pitch which isn’t fit for purpose really.

“If I’ve got a bugbear, that’s something we put up with. But we said from day one we’ll never cancel a session and we’ve been true to that, we’ve not done so.

“I just don’t think (the pitch) has been maintained properly over the years. I think we’ve had something like six calf strains, a concussion from a slip, and we had someone go down with a twisted ankle today (Wednesday) on it.

“I’m not a groundsman but however it is, it’s pretty horrendous to be honest.

“I think it’s been hammered over the years without anything put in it and without having a rest. Having two or three pitches would be better but it is what it is. It’s absolutely battered.”

Those injuries, along with a number of players currently isolating, mean that Rowley is without around 11 players in the build-up to their first friendly at home to Swinton Lions on Saturday.

Tim Lafai is yet to arrive in the UK as he waits to receive his visa, but fellow signings Brodie Croft, Sitaleki Akauola, King Vuniyayawa and Shane Wright are all expected to play this weekend, with the current situation meaning that every fit and available player will feature against the Championship side......

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Salford head coach Paul Rowley has praised new signing Deon Cross as someone who has impressed during the club’s pre-season.

Cross made the switch from Widnes during the off-season on a one-year deal, with the option of a second.

The winger began his career at Rochdale in 2018, before moving to Barrow in 2019 for one season. He signed with Widnes ahead of the 2020 season, and completed his dream Super League move to Salford in October.

He linked up with new coach Rowley during pre-season, and received shirt number 28 for the 2022 campaign.

Paul Rowley delighted with Deon Cross

“I think he’s been really good,” said Rowley on Cross.

“We were quite tough on him at the beginning in a productive manner. I think he has been, again like most of the lads, really receptive and really coachable and adaptable.

“I think these last few weeks he’s really shown his true worth. He’s been fantastic.”

Salford to have new half-back partnership in 2022

2022 will see the Red Devils combine a new partnership in the halves. Brodie Croft has made the move from the NRL on a two-year deal. Marc Sneyd also returns from Hull for the upcoming Super League campaign.

“It’s been really good. Excellent, to be honest,” Rowley said on his new partnership.

“It’s a new spine with a new full-back and two new halves. They have a lot of dialogue, they’re very conscientious. They’re talking on and off the field, fixing things and asking questions and finding solutions.

“There’s lots and lots of good signs. Obviously the ability is there for all to see and all with different attributes.

“It’s a great fit.”


Salford set for debutants against Swinton

Salford are set to host League 1’s Swinton in their first pre-season fixture this Saturday at the AJ Bell Stadium.

While up to 11 players may miss out due to injuries and Covid, Rowley revealed that a handful of the new faces will make their first appearance.

“We’ll be stretched in terms of numbers, it’s not ideal,” he said.

“But I do believe that we’ve had a really successful pre-season that’s brought a few people in like Deon Cross, who has proven invaluable and can play a number of positions.

“We’ll see players like that, who might not have got a shout just as early, to stake a claim for a starting position in that first fixture against Castleford.

“Other than that, I think it’s more of a physical box ticker for us. Progression in terms of what we’ve done in running and things that you can only get from actually playing the game, so like repetition and in game fitness. That will be our main objective and it gives a start point, in terms of teaching video and something to work on for the next three weeks.”

Brodie Croft, Sita Akauola, King Vuniyayawa and Shane Wright are all expected to pull on the Salford shirt for the first time against Swinton.

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Salford Red Devils are pleased to announce the signing of Alex Gerrard on a one-year deal.

The experienced prop began his career at Widnes Vikings, where he spent eight years between 2010 and 2018, before moving to Australia to play for Queensland outfit, Mackay Cutters. Gerrard then returned to the UK in 2020 to sign for Leigh Centurions.

Speaking on signing for Salford, Gerrard said: “There’s a good squad here at Salford, I’m looking forward to working hard to get into the 17.

“I want to be consistent in my performances and contribute positively to the group.”

Gerrard knows assistant coach Kurt Haggerty well through his time at Widnes, where Kurt was a player for two seasons. Haggerty was also assistant coach and then head coach at Leigh Centurions, whilst Gerrard was a Leyther.

“I know Kurt (Haggerty) from when I started out at Widnes. It’s always nice to see familiar faces and I’m looking forward to working with Kurt again.”

Salford Red Devils assistant coach, Kurt Haggerty, said: “It’s great to be working with Alex again. His ability as a front rower and his work rate will be really beneficial to the team moving forward. It’s great to have him on board for 2022.”

Head coach Paul Rowley commented: “I’m really pleased to add Alex to the squad, he’s got lots of experience at the top level and will add much needed depth and competition to the team, which we all understand will be paramount during this season.

“One of our strengths at Salford is the team spirit and Alex will fit in very well.”

Director of rugby and operations, Ian Blease, added: “It’s great to bring Alex in with his wealth of 1st team experience and he will now add some more depth and strength to our pack for the forthcoming season.”

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MATCH REPORT | SALFORD RED DEVILS 48-12 SWINTON LIONS | SATURDAY 15TH JANUARY 2022

Salford Red Devils ensured today’s double header against Swinton Lions ended in style, with a dominant 48-12 victory over the neighbours.

This was Paul Rowley’s first game as head coach of Salford and the first time that a handful of players would don the shirt, and it was all smiles come full-time.

Our new number 6, Brodie Croft, was first to score a try in 2022 for Salford, in the 11th minute. The Red Devils broke down the left and with Swinton outnumbered, Croft had no problem in strolling over for the first time in a Salford shirt.

Marc Sneyd converted for Salford – it’s been a while since we read those words.

lifelong Salford fan Ryan Brierley went over down the left a few minutes later, for his first try in a Salford shirt.

Two minutes later, Swinton were exposed down the left again and it was Man of the Match Deon Cross who scored.

2021’s Super League top try scorer, Ken Sio, obviously had to get in on the action and he did so in the 28th minute, crashing over down the right after a neat pass from the skipper Elijah Taylor opened up a path for our number 2.

Andy Ackers pulled out his trademark try from dummy half, in the 34th minute scooting over to the right of the sticks following a show and go that dumbfounded the Swinton defence.

Halftime: Salford Red Devils 26-0 Swinton Lions

Swinton got themselves on the scoreboard in the 56th minute through Mike Butt, who grounded the ball in the right corner for the first try of the second forty.

Matt Costello went over down the left on the hour mark, with Swinton’s Will Hope responding with a try of his own four minutes later.

Shane Wright picked up his first try for Salford two minutes later, and then sets Ackers up for his second try of the afternoon minutes later.

Academy product Jack Stevens came on in the 70th minute for Brodie Croft, a minute before Rhys Williams darted over to the left of the sticks to extend Salford’s lead.

Fulltime: Salford Red Devils 48-12 Swinton Lions

Salford Red Devils: Brierley, Williams, Cross, Costello, Sio, Croft, Sneyd, Vuniyayawa, Ackers, Akauola, Wright, Taylor (C), Luckley, Burke, Atkin, Johnson, Escare, Gerrard, Stevens.

Swinton Lions: Abram, Butt, Roberts, Lloyd, Lepori, Else, Hansen, Hope, Waterworth, Hatton, Gregson, Cox, Meadows, Jones, Spencer, Charnock, Brown, Case, Hayes, Brogan, Brickhill, Kenga.



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Salford At The Double In Derby Clashes.
By paulwhitesiderugbyleague on Jan 15, 2022 07:05 pm





It was definitely big coat weather this afternoon at the AJ Bell Stadium but despite the chill in the air a lovely sunny setting welcomed the players to the pitch at kick off. Their was hardly any wind whatsoever and the conditions were perfect for Rugby League.

Two old rivals with years of history behind them lined up to face each other once again. Swinton were relegated from the Championship last season and in 2022 will be looking for a big season in League one. Salford had quite a few new faces in their line up. Ryan Brierley started at fullback and Deon Cross made the side to play centre. Brodie Croft and Marc Sneyd made debuts at half back. In the pack King Vuniyayawa and Sita Akauola started the match as the props, exciting youngster Jack Stevens made the bench alongside Alex Gerrard who signed just a few days ago.

The Lions made a really bright start to the match troubling Salford down the middle with some good support play. They spurned the early chance of a penalty goal instead deciding to have a crack at Salford’s defence. The Red Devils held out firm before going in front in the twelfth minute when Croft went dashing over. It was soon back to back tries when Brierley raced down the same side Salford’s left edge to score.

Australian back rower Shane Wright looked impressive in the early stages and he sent Deon Cross over for Salford’s third try.

Geordie lad Sam Luckley chased a neat grubber kick to touch down and it was a shame when the referee adjudged him as off side.

Elijah Taylor showed some great touches at times and if he can stay fit in 2022 he will guide this team around with his intelligence and commitment. His soft hands sent Ken Sio away to score a nice try with Sneyd making it two from four with the conversions, 20-0.

Andy Ackers rounded off the first half catching the Lions defence on the hop.

Swinton deserve plenty of credit for their performance and their patience was rewarded when prolific winger Mike Butt scored. Jack Hansen converted 26-6.

Another smashing pass out the back door from Taylor set up a try for Matty Costello but from the following kick off Taylor came up with a mistake to hand Swinton a slice of attacking possession. The Lions took full advantage when former Salford forward and local lad Will Hope charged over for a deserved try.

Salford finished strongly with three tries. Chris Atkin put Wright in to score and then Wright created one for Ackers. The last word went to Welsh winger Rhys Williams who crossed for Salford’s ninth try of the afternoon.

It was nice to see young Jack Stevens get on the pitch and he showed some nice touches.

A very encouraging attendance enjoyed a terrific afternoon’s entertainment. The Salford Ladies beat Swinton earlier in the day by 30-4

The Red Devils are back in action next Friday when they face Halifax at the AJ Bell Stadium with a 7:30pm kick off.

Salford 48 Swinton 12.

Paul Whiteside.

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Salford Red Devils Women breezed past Swinton Lionesses this afternoon, in what was the team’s first ever rugby league match.

Vanessa Hadley put herself in the record books as the first woman to score a try for Salford, powering over down the right in the 11th minute to give her side the lead.

Salford’s Sam Boyes bundled over the line in the 25th minute – her strength proving too much for the Swinton defence to handle.

Halftime: Salford Red Devils Women 8-0 Swinton Lionesses

The visitors scored their only try of the game in the 46th minute, Chloe Birkett going over in the right corner.

Salford then went on to score three tries within the next 10 minutes, Lauren Ellison, Abi Collins and the captain, Louise Fellingham, all getting themselves on the scoresheet. Demi Jones became the first woman to score a conversion for Salford, following Collins’ try.

Casey Naylor scored the last try of the game shortly before the final hooter, powering over under the sticks to top what was an outstanding performance from our girls at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Fulltime: Salford Red Devils 30-4 Swinton Lionesses

Salford Red Devils Women: Abi Collins, Casey Naylor, Charlotte Cross, Darcey Price, Demi Jones, Eponine Fletcher, Erin Tong, Gabrielle Chaplin, Genevieve Parkin, Hannah Wicks, Helena Walker, Jena Monks, Kayleigh Bradshaw, Kia Doyle, Laura Bent, Lauren Chaplin, Lauren Ellison, Lauren Hunter, Louise Fellingham (c), Megan Condliffe, Olivia Miah, Sam Boyes, Steph Gray, Tamzin Corcoran, Vanessa Hadley (VC), Victoria Kini (VC), Yasmin Parton-Sotomayor.

Swinton Lionesses: Eve Ashcroft, Mia Atherton, Patrcyja Baronek, Isabel Birds, Chloe Birkett, Kara Breeze, Leah Christian, Maddison Corrigan, Ashley Deas, Holly Grimes, Emily Haley, Maddison Higson, Abbie Parkes-Holden, Skye Johnson, Chloe Latham, Jo Mullins, Helena Riley, Rebecca Roden, Mollie Scotson, Catherine Sweeney, Emily Swift, Carla Taylor, Ellie Thirkell, Ellie Walsh.

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BIG THANKS to our player welfare manager
Mr Marlon Billy who is moving on, for the last two years!