“It was a must-win game” – Watson pleased as Salford off the mark against Toronto

Ian Watson praised his Salford players after they battled to a 24-16 win against newly-promoted Toronto at the AJ Bell Stadium.

The Red Devils led for almost the entire game but Brad Singleton’s try brought the visitors level at 16-all with 10 minutes to play.

Salford weren’t to be denied though as late scores from Dan Sarginson and Niall Evalds secured a relieving victory for last year’s Grand Finalists.

“Yeah it got a bit nervy towards the end but I thought it was a real good win for us,” Watson said after the match.

“We needed to win. I know it’s only game two but it was a must-win game for us really.

“We are a new group and we are figuring out what we are about and how we play together, which is something you only learn once you start playing games.

“The focus this week was building on the early parts of the game against St Helens last week when we did the processes well, because when we fell away from them we were taught a lesson.

“It was about learning straight away from game one and I think we have done that, so we can be more confident going into the next game against Huddersfield.”

The result leaves the Wolfpack still searching for their maiden Super League victory after they were beaten on the opening weekend by Castleford.

Watson, however, was impressed by the Canadian outfit and has tipped them to get off the mark sooner rather than later.

“I think Toronto are obviously playing with confidence from the back end of last year because they are a team that all know each other, the systems and how they play.

“They throw the ball about, they challenge you and they have obviously tried to test our middle by throwing the ball around today.

“It was a dry day which suits an offloading team like Toronto and I think they will cause a few teams some problems going forward.”