Castleford managed to overcome Salford tonight, 28-18. But just what were the three major talking points and how did the sides rate?
Three major talking points
1. Paul McShane is just a different class
With things going slightly wrong for Castleford in the first-half, McShane stepped up and made a superb break which paved the way for Liam Watts to crash over. There’s been a lot of talk over who will be England’s hooker at the World Cup and if McShane isn’t in the reckoning then there’s no justice.
2. Salford aren’t that far away
Ultimately, Salford weren’t good enough, but they weren’t that far away. They caused Castleford a lot of problems, particularly in that first-half when they trailed just 14-12 at the break. Kallum Watkins looks back to his best and that can only be a positive for the Red Devils.
3. Salford need to sort out their discipline
The Red Devils gave away nine penalties during the game, received just four and even had Lee Mossop sent to the sinbin for a late shot on Danny Richardson. Head coach Richard Marshall must have been furious with some of the penalties being conceded, particularly with those around the head.
Salford Red Devils
19. Elliot Kear – 6
2. Ken Sio – 6
3. Kallum Watkins – 8
20. Harvey Livett – 7
22. Rhys Williams – 7
6. Tui Lolohea – 6
7. Kevin Brown – 7
8. Lee Mossop – 6
9. Andy Ackers – 8
10. Sebastine Ikahihifo – 7
21. James Greenwood – 7
15. Oliver Roberts – 6
14. Danny Addy – 8
Substitutes
16. Greg Burke – 6
17. Josh Johnson – 6
18. Chris Atkin – 6
25. Jack Ormondroyd – 6
Castleford Tigers
1. Niall Evalds – 6
2. Derrell Olpherts – 7
3. Peter Mata’utia – 8
4. Michael Shenton – 6
23. Greg Eden – 7
6. Jake Trueman – 7
7. Danny Richardson – 7
14. Nathan Massey – 6
9. Paul McShane – 9
10. Grant Millington – 7
11. Oliver Holmes – 9
21. Jesse Sene-Lefao – 7
13. Adam Milner – 6
Substitutes
8. Liam Watts – 8
12. Cheyse Blair – 7
27. Lewis Peachey – 7
28. Brad Martin – 9
