Salford Red Devils

Possible ban, signing priority, star man’s absence and other Salford Red Devils v Hull FC talking points

by
Sam Cook
June 22, 2025

Salford Red Devils hosted Hull FC in the final game of Round 15 of Super League and we’ve picked out all the talking points.

Despite a struggling first half, Hull FC kicked on and won 38-6 against a spirited Salford who just got sloppy in defence in the second half.

Paul Rowley named four new faces to his squad with the four loanees that the club had brought in all handed a debut, whilst the return of Brad Fash was somewhat surprising for Hull FC.

The result sees the Black and Whites return into the top six whilst Salford sit even further adrift at the foot of the table, especially after Huddersfield’s win over Warrington on Saturday.

Here are some of the key talking points from today’s match.

Salford Red Devils v Hull FC talking points

Salford’s squad struggles on show

These sides met in September last year when the Red Devils scored over 50 points on their way to a win and the contrast in each club’s situations now is massive.

Only four Salford players who played back in September played today and that huge squad rotation was showcased when Kobe Rugless came on off the bench. The loanee donned the number 55, highlighting just how many players Paul Rowley has had to call upon in this difficult campaign.

What is worrying is that it doesn’t look likely to stop either with 12 rounds still left to play this season.

Asiata impact noted

Hull FC have been without John Asiata for a few weeks and they’ll be without him for a lot more, however, they need to find a solution at loose forward.

Yusuf Aydin is playing there and whilst he’s fine as a prop, he doesn’t offer the playmaking that John Asiata had offered all season long. Very few players can offer that, but some solution is needed because currently Hull FC are misfiring and Asiata’s absence is the most notable impact.

One option could be to play Jordan Rapana in that role and play Logan Moy at full-back, however, there’s probably a lack of size in the pack to do that currently. Centres Zak Hardaker and Ed Chamberlain are playing in the second-row, but once the size of Jed Cartwright and Jordan Lane returns then Rapana could be a more viable option.

Signing priority

Whilst Hull FC didn’t shine, one man who did perform well once again was Sam Eseh and it’s clear that the Black and Whites need to try and move mountains to sign him permanently.

On loan from Wigan Warriors, Eseh has been brilliant under John Cartwright and is starting to establish himself as undroppable. Matt Peet has previously confirmed he’s contract to Wigan next year but Richie Myler needs to making a major play to sign the prop forward on a permanent deal.

He crashed over for his third try of the Super League season in what was his tenth appearance, having previously appeared for each of Leeds, Castleford and Hull FC on loan in 2024.

Salford disciplinary worry

Joe Shorrocks could find himself in trouble with the disciplinary panel tomorrow and that might spell disaster for the Red Devils given the loose forward’s record.

Approaching the 70th minute, he hit Aidan Sezer high and late as he kicked with the Australian taking exception to the tough treatment. Tom Grant didn’t take action except to ask both captains to calm their players down, however, the Match Review Panel may view it differently.

Shorrocks was handed a a Grade D charge for his tackle on Brodie Croft earlier in the year, earning him 15 points to which a further five were added for his unsuccessful appeal. As such, his record stands at 10 points meaning a charge of Grade B or higher would equate to a two-game ban.

Briscoe on brink of history

Tom Briscoe scored his 99th try for Hull FC and moved onto 173 in Super League, taking him to joint-ninth all time alongside former Hull FC man Leon Pryce. His next one will bring up his century for the club and move him to outright ninth on the list.

Teams

Salford Red Devils XIII: Nathan Connell; Jonny Vaughan, Chris Hankinson, Toby Warren, Sam Hill; Esan Marsters, Ryan Brierley; Chris Hill, Cain Robb, Jack Ormondroyd; Dan Russell, Matty Foster; Joe Shorrocks

Interchanges: Harvey Wilson, Joe Bullock, Kobe Rugless, Tom Whitehead

Hull FC XIII: Jordan Rapana; Harvey Barron, Tom Briscoe, Davy Litten, Lewis Martin; Cade Cust, Aidan Sezer; Herman Ese’ese, Amir Bourouh, Liam Knight; Zak Hardaker, Ed Chamberlain; Yusuf Aydin

Interchanges: Jack Ashworth, Sam Eseh, Jack Charles, Brad Fash