‘Nobody wants us’ – Super League player makes play-off prediction

Salford Red Devils back Ethan Ryan reckons the Super League play-off race is set for a thrilling final five weeks. Going into round 23, only four points separate fourth-placed St Helens from Leeds Rhinos who are eighth.

Salford are one of a trio of teams with a three-point cushion over nearest challengers Leigh Leopards and Ryan told Serious About Rugby League: “There’s the boys at the top who you might favour in a couple of games, but I think anyone can beat anyone in this league now.

“Look at London, they beat Catalans a few weeks ago and no one would have predicted that. It just depends on how teams turn up on the day and how they prep.”

On that basis, the six teams who qualify for the Super League play-offs will fancy their chances of going all the way to Old Trafford, including Salford who count Saints, third-placed Warrington Wolves and leaders Hull KR among their victims this year.

“The style of rugby we play and the confidence we’ve got in this group, nobody wants us,” Ryan warned.

Last Sunday’s 26-0 Magic Weekend loss to Leigh, who are now up to seventh, has turned up the pressure, but Ryan remains confident Salford will extend their season beyond next month’s round 27.

“We lost, but we are still in the play-off race,” he vowed. “There’s teams chasing us, but it is still in our hands; we just have to dust ourselves off and improve. That’s the key thing, improve – and pick up a few wins along the way.”

Last week was a backwards step after positive performances in a win over Leeds Rhinos and golden-point loss at Saints.

“We didn’t get the best start to the game,” Ryan accepted. “I got yellow-carded, followed by Singo [Brad Singleton] and we did a lot of defending.

“Our skill was off and teams do have off days; it’s just about what we do in the future to solve those situations. I am confident we can do it.

“If you look at when we’ve picked up losses, we don’t seem to dwell on it too much and we’re never too far away from another win. We are confident in the ability in our group and it’s all eyes on Huddersfield this week.”

Saturday’s game at home to Huddersfield Giants comes just five weeks after Salford lost 16-8 at John Smith’s Stadium. They won 18-16 there in May and recent meetings between the sides also include a 42-40 home victory by Salford last year.

“It’s always a tasty occasion,” Ryan admitted. “It makes for a good game, especially for the neutral, but we were way off [last week] and we need to be better.”