Salford’s pre-season gets underway today as they host historic rivals Swinton at the AJ Bell Stadium in the first game of a new era.
The Red Devils have brought in new coach Paul Rowley and built an entirely new spine with exciting signings in the shape of Ryan Brierley, Brodie Croft and Marc Sneyd.
All three of them are set to make their debuts this afternoon in front of home supporters having all been named in Rowley’s 19 man squad for the game. Brierley will start at fullback no doubt with Croft and Sneyd lining up in the halves together for the first time. Sneyd will be playing for the club for the first time since 2013 when he left on loan to Castleford whilst Croft will be hoping to emulate the success of Jackson Hastings at Salford.
Sita Akauola is also likely to debut at prop with Shane Wright making his first appearance at second-row just ahead of new skipper Elijah Taylor who should be in line to start at loose-forward. It’s likely that other new signings like King Vuniyayawa and Deon Cross will feature on the bench however Cross could get the nod on the wing with Rowley being without the likes of Joe Burgess, Kallum Watkins and Dan Sarginson in the backs. Rhys Williams may have to play out of position whilst Matt Costello could also feature at centre with Morgan Escare on the wing.
Predicted line-up:
1 Ryan Brierley
2 Ken Sio
24 Matt Costello
22 Rhys Williams
25 Morgan Escare
6 Brodie Croft
7 Marc Sneyd
8 Sita Akauola
9 Andy Ackers
10 Greg Burke
11 Shane Wright
26 Sam Luckley
13 Elijah Taylor
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