This has been an interesting fixture since Ian Watson’s sudden departure from Salford. Huddersfield have had a strong season so far, and will go into the fixture as favourites, having won six from their last seven. The clubs seem more closely linked than any two in the league, with seven former Salford players currently at Huddersfield, and with Watson still circling for more signings from his former club, it is sure to be a tense encounter between these new rivals.
Huddersfield have had a brilliant season, and are in and amongst the very best sides in the league. Currently sat in 4th, and having already reached the Challenge Cup Final, the club is enjoying one of its strongest ever Super League seasons. With the end of the season approaching, and with Watson’s personal connection to Salford, this will feel like a must win game.
Salford will be equally keen to get the victory, with two points being huge given their place in the table. A win would likely put them in the top six, at least until Hull FC played. With over 100 points scored in the last two games, they will need to be playing their best brand of attacking rugby in order to break through Huddersfield’s relentless defence.
21-man squads
Huddersfield
1 Will Pryce
2 Jermaine McGillvary
5 Ashton Golding
6 Tui Lolohea
7 Theo fages
9 Danny Levi
10 Michael Lawrence
11 Josh Jones
12 Chris McQueen
13 Luke Yates
14 Matty English
15 Joe Greenwood
17 Owen Trout
20 Oliver Wilson
21 Leroy Cudjoe
23 Olly Russell
25 Innes Senior
26 Nathan Mason
27 Jack Ashworth
29 Sam Hewitt
37 Toby King
Salford
1 Ryan Brierley
2 Ken Sio
3 Kallum Watkins
4 Tim Lafai
5 Joe Burgess
6 Brodie Croft
7 Marc Sneyd
8 Sitaleki Akauola
9 Andy Ackers
10 Greg Burke
13 Elijah Taylor
16 Ryan Lannon
17 Harvey Livett
18 Chris Atkin
19 Jack Ormondroyd
22 Rhys Williams
24 Matt Costello
26 Sam Luckley
28 Deon Cross
29 Alex Gerrard
32 Tyler Dupree
Injury news
Good news for Huddersfield as Theo Fages is fit to return against his former club, giving Ian Watson a full spine to choose from.
For Salford, Ackers is named despite coming off during last week’s victory over Salford. Joe Burgess is also named again despite not featuring last week against Warrington. Greg Burke and Elijah Taylor return to boost Salford’s forward options.
Kick off time and TV details:
The game will kick off at 13:00 on Sunday, and will be shown live on Sky Sports action.
Castleford Tigers
Castleford Tigers expecting flurry of signings
Warrington Wolves
Sam Burgess makes decision on future following South Sydney links
Castleford Tigers
Revealed: Why Sylvester Namo was found guilty
