Why Chris Kendall didn’t award Salford a penalty try against Wigan Warriors

Wigan Warriors and Salford Red Devils served up a brilliant first half of their Round Five Betfred Super League clash.

A terrific game that was end to end but great attacking play was always met with terrific defence until the Warriors struck first.

The Super League and World Champions Wigan Warriors took the lead through a lovely Liam Marshall try but just before this try the Salford Red Devils may have felt referee Chris Kendall should have awarded them a penalty try.

Ryan Brierley broke through the Wigan defence, he then chipped over Jai Field but as he chased ahead, Harry Smith dived for the ball but took out Brierley as the ball ran dead.

Salford fans could be heard calling for the penalty try but on Sky Sports you could hear Chris Kendall explain that because “it was from a bouncing ball” and a “contest” it wasn’t a penalty try.

Paul Rowley has say on Wigan Warriors

Paul Rowley has praised the collective effort of his team after their positive start to 2024 and head of this clash against Wigan Warriors.

Despite a narrow defeat in Round 1, the Red Devils have bounced back with three consecutive victories, including a memorable performance against St Helens last Friday.

Deon Cross’ 75th minute winner completed a six-minute comeback and secure Salford’s first win at the ten-time Betfred Super League champions for 44 years.

“It’s been very good. We’ve had three wins from four,” the Head Coach replied when for his thoughts on the team’s start to the season when speaking to the club’s official website.

“We could consider ourselves unlucky in our first game against Leeds, that was a good game, so we’ve been competitive and come out on top three times out of four.

“As far as months go, it’s been a good month!”

Salford have also won their opening two home fixtures, against Castleford Tigers and Hull KR, but face their toughest task this time around, with recently-crowned world champions, Wigan Warriors in town.

With a few fresh injury concerns since a fierce battle with Saints, Rowley was asked which players had stood-out during the first month.

“Obviously Chris Atkin fills in them roles, so he always stands out for being versatile, but quality with it,” he began.

“But Sneydy has led from the front, our edges have been on fire. I could go through the whole team; Singo’s led from the front, Jack Ormondroyd, Amir has stepped up – they’ve all done it.

“I’m going to say it’ll be tough to name individuals, but I’ve just done that, but I could keep going and can keep going through the entire team.

“It’s been a collective and the way we are as a group, it needs everyone contributing equally to come up with the start we have done.”