The Salford Red Devils have exceeded expectations this season. Contrary to predictions of struggle, they are in the Super League’s top six, holding a two-point lead over Leeds Rhinos. This weekend, Salford faces the London Broncos, who are at the bottom of the Super League table, in a match they are favored to win.
Earlier this season, the initial encounter between the two teams was challenging. Salford narrowly won 12-4 at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, with a red card for King Vuniyayawa making the game tighter than anticipated.
As they prepare to meet again at the Salford Community Stadium this weekend, the Red Devils face a setback with two key players sidelined due to injuries.
In a statement announcing their squad, Salford confirmed that full-back and vice-captain Ryan Brierley will miss the game against London due to a minor injury. Additionally, hooker Amir Bourouh will also be unavailable as he continues his recovery from injury.
Nathan Connell, who has shown strong performances at full-back in the Salford reserve team, joins the squad. Harvey Wilson, a recent addition from the Wigan Warriors, is also set to make his debut for the Red Devils.
London has made only one change to their squad from last weekend’s heavy defeat to Hull KR. James Meadows returns after missing the KR game, replacing Ethan Natoli, who is out with an injury.
London will aim to replicate their second-half performance against the Robins rather than their first half. They were trailing 46-0 at halftime but managed to regain some pride by scoring three tries in the second half.
Eccles hoping for improved performance
Speaking to the club’s website ahead of the game, London boss, Mike Eccles, is hoping the side can push Salford close again, after a tense encounter in the return fixture. Eccles said:
“I think it was a reasonable performance (vs Salford last in Round 8), I think they always had us at arm’s length, they were good and when they went down to 12, they were even better.
“They’re a tough and gritty team when the chips are down. They maximise what they have- they know their strength’s and their weaknesses and their togetherness as a group is quite showing.
“The style of Rugby that they play is very entertaining. If I was at home watching a game, they’re a team that I enjoy watching probably more than anybody. Very well coached and very well put together.”
London captain, Will Lovell, hopes the Broncos can produce a good style of Rugby, not that tje weather is starting to improve.
“The standard of Super League has gotten better every year. It is a fantastic competition and one that we want to be involved with for as long as possible so we will do our upmost to be in there.
”Earlier on in the year it is a different style of rugby being played. Now, with the sun shining a little bit more you’d hope it’ll bit more expansive. We will see, we will take a lot from our last performance against them so if we put out best foot forward on Sunday then we can really trouble them.”
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