Paul Rowley’s Salford Red Devils are looking to make it three consecutive Betfred Super League victories when they take on Wigan Warriors at the DW Stadium.
They arrive at Round 6 in fourth place, after three wins and two losses to kickstart the campaign. Our opponents boast the exact same record, but sit slightly higher than the Red Devils on points difference.
The latest Salford victory came in quite dramatic fashion. Taking on Wakefield Trinity last Sunday, the two sides were locked at 13 points a piece after 80 minutes and the game was forced into golden point.
With both sharpshooters, Mason Lino and Marc Sneyd both trading drop-goal attempts, it was the latter who saw one sail over the sticks on the 85th minute to send the Salford faithful home happy.
Attentions have firmly switched to Matt Peet’s Wigan, who possess some potent weapons in the form of Jai Field, Bevan French and Liam Marshall.
Rowley and his squad will want to show the grit, determination and flair which has seen them come through these tough encounters before; so, here’s everything you need to know around this one:
SQUAD NEWS
There were two pieces of positive squad news for the Red Devils this week.
Tim Lafai – who missed Round 5 with a hamstring strain – has returned to the squad alongside left-edge partner, Joe Burgess.
The 28-year-old winger has been missing for the last fortnight with a shoulder injury, but the original prognosis of a long-term spell on the sidelines was not as bad as first feared and he’s back in the fold for Friday’s game.
We will, however, be without Andy Ackers, who is carrying a knee injury.
The hooker will miss today’s game a likely next week against Huddersfield Giants, but Paul Rowley told the press on Wednesday he will be back with the team in no longer than two weeks’ time.
ROWLEY’S PREVIEW
Looking ahead to our Round 6 clash, Head Coach, Paul Rowley was quick to point out the threats Wigan possess and where they could hurt his side.
He began: “I think I’ve said before, I expect the same from Wigan as they’ve probably delivered since I started watching them in 1980.
“You go there and it’s tough. Wigan kids are brought up with a rugby ball in their hand, they know the game inside-out and they’re a tough bunch as well.
“They’ll be no quarter given. Anything you get at Wigan you’ve earned,” Rowley continued.
“But you can’t run away from it; you’ve got to run into the fire so to speak and get excited, and look forward to the challenge ahead because they’ll challenge us physically – we know that.
“Previous experience says they’ll come and challenge us up the middle, but on the back of quick rucks they’ve got the X-Factor out-wide in the back three of French, Field and Marshall – who I do feel doesn’t get mentioned enough, he’s been one of Wigan’s best now for over a year or so.”
To watch Paul Rowley’s pre-match press conference in full, please click HERE.
https://twitter.com/SalfordDevils/status/1638910977340239876?s=20
HOW TO BUY TICKETS
The Salford Stadium ticket office is open for purchase and collection until 12PM TODAY. After that time, pre-purchased tickets will be available for collection from the DW Stadium – with pay on the day also an option.
