Salford Red Devils name 17-man squad ahead of Castleford Tigers clash

Salford Red Devils coach Paul Rowley today named only 17 players in his squad for Friday’s visit to Castleford Tigers.

Salford were yesterday placed back in special measures – with a restricted £1.2m salary cap – after February’s wages went unpaid.

That – and rumours senior players were considering striking until their wages came through – led to speculation Rowley could send a second-string side to Tigers, similar to the one crushed by St Helens in Betfred Super League round one.

Instead, most of the Red Devils’ star names, including prolific points scorer Marc Sneyd and captain Kallum Watkins, are included.

Fourteen players are set to back up from last week’s 42-0 loss at Hull KR, plus the three non-playing members of the initial 20 for that game. Tim Lafai, Brad Singleton and the suspended Jayden Nikorima are the players dropping out.

Salford Red Devils’ squad is: Ryan Brierley, Nene Macdonald, Dean Cross, Marc Sneyd, Chris Hill, Kallum Watkins, Chris Atkin, Shane Wright, Esan Marsters, Jack Ormondroyd, Justin Sangare, Joe Bullock, Matty Foster, Chris Hankinson, Harvey Wilson, Kai Morgan, Tiaki Chan.

Tigers will be without winger Lee Kershaw who has returned to Hull KR after a two-week loan.

Second-rower Jeremiah Simbiken is suspended and centre Josh Hodson also drops out from the squad named ahead of last week’s 38-24 loss at Leeds Rhinos.

Scrum-half Rowan Milnes and hooker Cain Robb are in contention after injury and half-back Jenson Windley has also been drafted in.

Castleford Tigers’ initial squad is: Tex Hoy, Zac Cini, Sam Wood, Innes Senior, Daejarn Asi, Rowan Milnes, Liam Horne, George Lawler, Alex Mellor, Joe Westerman, Judah Rimbu, George Griffin, Cain Robb, Luke Hooley, Muizz Mustapha, Sylvester Namo, Fletcher Rooney, Josh Simm, George Hill, Jenson Windley, Dan Okoro.