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Castleford Tigers 16-26 Salford Red Devils: Player ratings and three major talking points

New head coaches Lee Radford and Paul Rowley would have come away from the Jungle with mightily different opinions of how their sides fared following a 26-16 Salford Red Devils victory over the Castleford Tigers.

Marc Sneyd was in inspired form, kicking Castleford to death both in play and in front of goal, registering 14 points through three conversions and four penalties as the home side ushered in their new era with a flat and disappointing display.

Seven debutants turned out for Radford’s Tigers, with Joe Westerman showing up well whilst Bureta Faraimo capped off his home debut with a yellow card on the stroke of half-time.

Three major talking points

1. Marc Sneyd is rejuvenated

There was a major question mark over Marc Sneyd going to Salford following his exit from Hull FC, but he answered all those critics with a superb performance to shock the Tigers. Linking up well with Brodie Croft in the halves and an inspired Ryan Brierley at fullback, Sneyd overshadowed his opposite numbers, playing in a dinner suit and serving up a truly wonderful display.

2. Castleford looked lost

The new era under Lee Radford came crashing down in the first-half as the Red Devils scorched their way through incredibly soft right-edge Castleford defence to lead 20-10 at the break. There was little direction from halfbacks Jake Trueman and Danny Richardson whilst captain Paul McShane didn’t look his sniping self at hooker. It’s only the first game but Castleford can’t get much worse.

3. Inspired Salford defence

The Red Devils probably had less field position than the home side, but they were vigorous in defence and kept their opponents out with relative ease. Head coach Paul Rowley will have been extremely happy with how his 17 players fought for each other all the way. It really will take a lot to break this Salford down.

Player ratings

Castleford Tigers
1 Niall Evalds – 6
2 Derrell Olpherts – 5
17 Mahe Fonua – 7
4 Jake Mamo – 5
5 Bureta Faraimo – 6
6 Jake Trueman – 6
7 Danny Richardson – 6
15 George Griffin – 7
9 Paul McShane – 7
22 Daniel Smith – 8
11 Kenny Edwards – 7
21 Alex Sutcliffe – 6
13 Joe Westerman – 9
Substitutes
3 Jordan Turner – 6
8 Liam Watts – 7
10 George Lawler – 6
25 Suaia Matagi – 6

Salford Red Devils
1 Ryan Brierley – 8
2 Ken Sio – 7
4 Tim Lafai – 7
28 Deon Cross – 7
5 Joe Burgess – 9
6 Brodie Croft – 7
7 Marc Sneyd – 10
8 Sitaleki Akauola – 8
9 Andy Ackers – 8
10 Greg Burke – 7
11 Shane Wright – 6
12 James Greenwood – 7
13 Elijah Taylor – 6
Substitutes
14 Danny Addy – 7
15 King Vuniyayawa – 7
24 Matt Costello – 6
26 Sam Luckley – 7

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