Bottom placed Salford host top of the table Hull KR on Thursday night, as part two of Round 20 in Super League gets underway.
Salford faced Leeds before the break, and fell to a 42-6 defeat, despite only trailing 10-6 at half time. Their last home performance will give them confidence, as they overcame Castleford Tigers to gain only their second win of the league season.
For Hull KR, their two match losing run came to an end a fortnight ago as they travelled to Perpignan to face Catalans Dragons. Try doubles from Jack Broadbent, Tom Davies and Mikey Lewis ensured a comfortable win for the Challenge Cup holders.
Here is the all important team news and how we think both sides will line up:
Salford Red Devils Team News
The only change in Salford initial squad is the departure of Oliver Russell, who has gone back to Wakefield Trinity after his loan spell ended.
Head coach Paul Rowley admitted it is a shame to lose the halfback but is thankful to Trinity for allowing him to join the club.
“With any player, certainly one of Oliver calibre then to lose him is certainly a blow to us, but we are grateful for the relationship that we’ve got with Wakefield and trust they put in us to look after him.” he said, speaking in his weekly press conference. “Hopefully if he doesn’t get a nose in at Wakefield, we can look to resume that at a later date.”
Loghan Lewis is Russell’s replacement, the Aussie forward made his return in the win over Castleford, but lasted mere minutes before being forced off with a HIA that he subsequently failed.
Hull KR Team News
Jez Litten is back in contention for the Robins after he completed the one-match suspension he picked up against Leigh Leopards. The star hooker has been in fine form once again this year, and will rotate with Michael McIlorum who will start from the bench.
Captain Elliot Minchella was rested in the win over the Dragons, he is expected to return to the lineup. That will provide a selection headache for head coach Willie Peters, who will be forced to drop one of his in-form props.
Salford Red Devils Predicted Tea
57. Declan Murphy, 2. Ethan Ryan, 23. Chris Hankinson, 52. Daniel Russell, 28. Nathan Connell, 1. Ryan Brierley, 27. Kai Morgan, 18. Jack Ormondroyd, 9. Joe Mellor, 10. Chris Hill, 22. Matty Foster, 53. Tom Whitehead, 13. Joe Shorrocks.
Bench: 16. Loghan Lewis, 19. Justin Sangare, 24. Harvey Wilson, 50. Toby Warren
Hull KR Predicted Team
35. Arthur Mourgue, 2. Tom Davies, 3. Peta Hiku, 18. Jack Broadbent, 5. Joe Burgess, 6. Mikey Lewis, 7. Tyrone May, 8, Sauaso Sue, 9, Jez Litten, 10. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 11. Dean Hadley, 12. James Batchelor, 13. Elliott Minchella.
Bench: 14. Michael McIlorum, 15. Sam Luckley, 16. Jai Whitbread, 17. Rhyse Martin
James
July 31, 2025 at 11:04 am
They really need to stop this tragicomedy now, give all Salford’s opponents the points and let the Red Devils coast into oblivion quietly!