Skipper, Kallum Watkins is expecting fireworks when Salford Red Devils go head-to-head with Leeds Rhinos at Headingley next Friday.
With pre-season preparations all-but over, 2024’s edition of the Betfred Super League is almost upon us, and yesterday’s launch gave us a sneak preview of what to expect.
Some of the countries best players converged on the Aviva Studios in Manchester to speak to major broadcasters and journalists about the season ahead.
Joining Head Coach, Paul Rowley and Cade Cust was our ever-reliable club captain, Kallum Watkins, who gave us his thoughts on a mouthwatering Round 1 clash.
Speaking to our YouTube channel, Watkins said: “It’s going to be fireworks, isn’t it?
“It was kind of written with everything going on in the off-season that it was going to be the first game for us.”

Watkins continued: “To play at Headingley, it’s such an iconic place, I had so many great years there and it makes it all the more special to do it with Salford as well, which is a club that means a hell-of-a-lot to me, so exciting times.
“We’ve got a couple of players that were here in the past with Brodie (Croft) and (Andy) Ackers, which makes it more intense, we’re expecting fireworks that’s for sure.
“That’s what it’s all about, that’s what the games all about and getting the season underway, and getting the result at Leeds.”
Last season, a fantastic team performance secured a rare win at a ground where Salford have had so much misfortune over the years.
When asked what we have to do to replicate that, our number 12 said: “Look, we’ve got to come up with a great performance to get our season started; and how we’ll plan, how we’ll prepare will impact that, so we can focus on Leeds.
“It’s a week away now, so it’s exciting times and we can prepare the best we can. For us, it’s about competing at a high level and making sure we’re ready.”
“They’re a top side, they’ve signed really well, so for us, we’ve got to embrace the opportunities we’re given. This is a big game, something we’re excited about and we want to take it with both hands.”
To watch our full interview with the skipper, head to our YouTube channel here.