Both Salford and Castleford picked up important wins last week.
As Castleford nilled Hull KR to move into the top six, Salford defeated Leeds for the second time this season to leapfrog the Rhinos and put more teams between them and relegation peril.
The Red Devils have been superb in the last three games and will be hoping to maintain that level of performance up against the Tigers this week as they look to complete a double over the Tigers.
Team News
The Red Devils have Greg Burke back in the squad after he figured for the reserves last week. Tyler Dupree is also named in the squad after debuting against former club Leeds last week despite not being included in the original 21-man squad. Sam Luckley is absent as is fellow forward King Vuniyayawa. There is still no James Greenwood or Shane Wright.
Lee Radford has made just one change to his 21-man squad with young Sam Hall replacing the suspended Liam Watts in the squad. Danny Richardson could feature for the first time since picking up a neck injury. He played for the reserves last week.
Match Preview – Key Battles:
Brodie Croft vs Jake Trueman: Brodie Croft has shown his true quality recent weeks creating two of Salford’s tries against Leeds. An attacking talent, he’ll be up against the always dangerous Jake Trueman. The player who can conjure up the big moments may inspire their side to victory.
Kallum Watkins vs Kenny Edwards: Kenny Edwards is enjoying a new lease of life at Castleford on loan picking up the Man of the Match last week. A dangerous player in attack he’ll be tough to handle but will be up against Kallum Watkins who himself is enjoying a new chapter of his career at second-row which should make this one intriguing battle.
Where the game will be won and lost:
Salford have shown they can absorb pressure in recent games whilst having the attacking weapons to cause teams problems when possession swings that way. However, this will be tested against an expansive team like the Tigers. If Salford can contain the Cas attack, a win could be on the cards otherwise it may be a long night at the AJ Bell.
Score Prediction: Salford Red Devils 18-26 Castleford Tigers
Castleford Tigers
Castleford Tigers confirm Tex Hoy signing
