Salford Red Devils v Warrington Wolves line-ups predicted amid bizarre loan quirks

Salford Red Devils and Warrington Wolves face for the first time in Super League this year and we’ve predicted how they’ll line up.

Whilst some sides have already met three times in Super League already, including Salford Red Devils and St Helens, Paul Rowley’s side are yet to face Sam Burgess’ team.

That’s a quirk of the loop fixture system and something that has been criticised lately, including by Salford assistant Krisnan Inu who called it ‘stupid’ whilst Adrian Lam has also been a critic.

The sides now finally meet in Round 17 and sadly for Salford, their situation is no better than it has been for much of the season with the Red Devils still hamstrung by a limited salary cap whilst a number of star players have left.

Two of those have headed to Warrington in Marc Sneyd and Sam Stone whilst Wire sent two loanees to the Red Devils, however, only one can play. Based on the 21-man squads selected, we’ve predicted how each side will line up tonight.

Salford Red Devils predicted team

Salford have got one of their strongest squads of the season with Joe Shorrocks a major boost as he returns from suspension. He’s set to slot straight in at loose forward which would see Harvey Wilson shift into the second-row.

Dan Russell can play against his parent club whereas Tom Whitehead cannot, and the other loanees to represent Salford would be Danny Richardson in the halves, Cain Robb at hooker and Tiaki Chan off the bench.

Jonny Vaughan suffered a shoulder injury and he’s set to be replaced by Salford youngster Nathan Connell on the wing. Paul Rowley could name a bench full of forwards with no utility given the fact Shorrocks and Robb would be interchangeable at nine, however, Kai Morgan would be the utility if not.

Predicted Salford Red Devils XIII: Ryan Brierley; Ethan Ryan, Esan Marsters, Chris Hankinson, Nathan Connell; Jayden Nikorima, Danny Richardson; Jack Ormondroyd, Cain Robb, Chris Hill; Harvey Wilson, Dan Russell, Joe Shorrocks

Interchanges: Matty Foster, Joe Bullock, Tiaki Chan, Justin Sangare

Our R17 squad to take on @WarringtonRLFC! 💪

🔗: https://t.co/hlYgjjEEpX pic.twitter.com/Gwm0vPsG90

— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) July 2, 2025

Warrington Wolves predicted team

Sam Burgess saw how improved his side were with Matt Dufty back last week and the full-back will once again anchor the backline which could have a slight change. Toby King was named to the 21-man squad last week but didn’t play, however, he may replace Connor Wrench tonight.

Sam Stone faces his former club whilst Joe Philbin is another big player to return, taking his place on the bench where he’s had immense impact this year.

Sam Powell is also on the bench with Jordy Crowther starting at hooker, as he did last week against Hull FC.

Predicted Warrington Wolves XIII: Matt Dufty; Josh Thewlis, Rodrick Tai, Toby King, Jake Thewlis; George Williams, Marc Sneyd; Luke Yates, Jordy Crowther, Paul Vaughan; Sam Stone, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Ben Currie

Interchanges: Sam Powell, Joe Philbin, James Harrison, Max Wood

📋 SQUAD NEWS | An unchanged matchday squad for Friday’s trip to Salford pic.twitter.com/NVYO0i4xzp

— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) July 2, 2025