Salford Red Devils host Leeds Rhinos tonight in Super League and Paul Rowley has a full 21-man squad to choose from, something he has rarely had in recent weeks on account of injuries and the current salary cap restrictions.
Despite the fact Rowley has 21 players available for selection, plenty of star players are missing through injury with star prop Chris Hill among those to miss out after last week’s Challenge Cup defeat to Catalans Dragons.
Club captain Kallum Watkins has also left to join Leeds Rhinos, though he will not play against the Red Devils, with Watkins’ exit done, according to Salford to ‘protect our future’.
With Watkins now off the salary cap, Salford have been able to register Sam Davis and Ben Hellewell, meaning that Nene Macdonald is now the only man that they have in their squad but cannot fit onto the restricted salary cap.
The centre remains on loan with Oldham after debuting for the Roughyeds in the 1895 Cup this past weekend.
As for tonight’s game against Leeds, we’ve predicted how Salford Red Devils could line up based on their 21-man squad.
Salford Red Devils predicted XIII for Leeds Rhinos clash
Ryan Brierley will likely assume the role of club captain but there are fears he may not play against Leeds given the fact he pulled out in the warm-up on Friday against Catalans.
Krisnan Inu gave no update on the full-back when speaking with the media but Brierley being named would suggest he’s fit and he’s anchor a backline featuring youngster Joshua Wagstaffe, St Helens’ loanee Jonny Vaughan, Esan Marsters and St Helens-linked Deon Cross.
Jayden Nikorima returns but who will partner him is a tough ask with young Kai Morgan having fared well so far, however, the availability of Joe Mellor, Chris Atkin and Sam Davis, means that Mellor could be bumped into the halves with Atkin and Davis operating out of dummy-half.
With no Chris Hill at prop, plenty of responsibility will fall on Jack Ormondroyd who should start alongside Harvey Wilson who impressed against Huddersfield Giants before failing a HIA.
Matty Foster and Shane Wright look likely candidates to play in the second-row with Joe Shorrocks set to lock the pack, although Ben Hellewell and George Hill are also options.
They may start on the bench along with Sam Davis and Justin Sangare meaning Kai Morgan could miss out. The recently recalled Jamie Pye could also get the nod given Salford ended his season-long loan with Barrow when recalling him.
Predicted Salford Red Devils XIII: Ryan Brierley, Joshua Wagstaffe, Esan Marsters, Jonny Vaughan, Deon Cross, Jayden Nikorima, Joe Mellor, Harvey Wilson, Chris Atkin, Jack Ormondroyd, Matty Foster, Shane Wright, Joe Shorrocks
Interchanges: Sam Davis, Justin Sangare, Ben Hellewell, George Hill
Our 21-man squad for Thursday’s @SuperLeague meeting with @leedsrhinos!👇 pic.twitter.com/A1JsPCEuFJ
— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) April 8, 2025
