Salford have the unenviable task of hosting last year’s League Leader’s Shield winners Catalans Dragons just days after a derby clash against Warrington.
A slow start to the game against out of form Warrington saw Salford give themselves too much to do on Thursday as they dropped to 10th in the table. An unlikely win here against last year’s Grand Finalists would be a massive boost after that but they’ll need a much better start if they are to do so.
As for Catalans, they haven’t been at their brilliant best recently only just beating Toulouse on Thursday. They need to get a result here and build some momentum.
Team News:
Salford again have a doubt over Joe Burgess due to a knee problem, the same problem which kept him out of the defeat to Wakefield. There is also a doubt over Deon Cross.
Catalans will still have Joe Chan available despite his two-game ban due to the suspensions not coming into force until the next round of fixtures. They’ll need him following Mike McMeeken’s injury on Thursday. The extent of the former Cas man’s problem has now been revealed with him set for a four week spell on the side lines following a dislocation of a bone in his writs. Once more there will be no Sam Tomkins, so Tyrone May could stay at fullback or perhaps Arthur Mourgue will receive his first start of 2022.
Match Preview – Key Battles:
Ryan Brierley vs Arthur Mourgue: Ryan Brierley has always been a dangerous attacking force and alongside Marc Sneyd and Brodie Croft has the tools to unlock Catalans’ defence. But he could be up against the explosive and elusive Arthur Mourgue who is always a sight to behold and is as fast as they come. If not Mourgue, it will be the experienced and dangerous May.
Ken Sio vs Fouad Yaha: Ken Sio has been one of the best wingers in the league over the last 12 months and continues to score tries for fun. He’ll be up against the big and powerful Fouad Yaha who himself has enjoyed good form over the last year. This should be a superb battle between very different wingers.
Greg Burke vs Dylan Napa: Greg Burke is one of the most underrated props in the league. Hard working, he’ll have a tough task nullifying NRL winner Dylan Napa who will look to get the Dragons on the front foot.
Where the game will be won and lost:
Speaking of Napa, he and his fellow forwards will be looking to get the Dragons on top down the middle which will enable their attack to shine. If the Red Devils can contain the Dragons’ middles, they have the patience in attack to shock the French side.
Score Prediction: Salford Red Devils 12-30 Catalans Dragons