Watson annoyed by inconclusive tests after picking team over Zoom

Salford head coach Ian Watson admits that their build up to Saturday’s Challenge Cup Final has been less than ideal.

The Red Devils returned two positive tests yesterday in the lead up to their Super League clash against Hull KR.

Two further inconclusive tests were also returned and Watson couldn’t help but show his frustration following yesterday’s game in Warrington.

He said: “This is supposed to be one of the best weeks of your career going into a Challenge Cup Final but at the moment, it has been very frustrating.

“We got tested again for this game and we had a lot inconclusive which is really annoying me, especially trying to prepare for this game without training.

“I think we had about eight inconclusive, five of them came back today saying they were fine first thing this morning at about 10am.

“The other two are still inconclusive at this moment so they have been tested again today.”

Despite going down 24-22 to Hull KR, Watson commended his team’s effort and attitude after a turbulent few days leading up to Tuesday afternoon’s game.

He added: “It is what it is. I thought the boys today showed character of what we have always been about at Salford over the last few years.

“No one has complained. We did a team over Zoom last night then we went into a bit of a session this morning and a couple of players got injured, even though it was only a light run which meant they could not take part in this game as well.

“They came out and played a little bit of old school rugby. They tried to complete sets and defend well and I just thought they showed what we have been like as a club, I thought they were great.”