Salford Red Devils host league leaders Castleford in their first Super 8s home game and Tigers head coach Daryl Powell knows that Ian Watson’s side pose a real threat despite their recent struggles.
Powell said: “They’re a good side they’ve lost a couple of games recently obviously but they’ve been games they’ve been fighting hard.
“They’ve just been in a Challenge cup semi-final that Wigan ended getting over the top of them in we know ourselves cup semi-finals can create all sorts of difficulties around them – win or lose.
“It’s been tough for them but they’re still battling they’ve been level going into the second halves of games then teams have got away from them a little bit towards the backend.
“They’ll be a great challenge for us and we’re mindful that we’ll have to be at our best to get over the top of them.”
Powell, whose Castleford side look favourites to win both the league leaders shield and the Super League Grand Final, pointed out a few key players for the Red Devils.
“They’ve got a lot of ball movement in them they’ve got some smart players and a really physical pack.
“Their half-backs are key. Michael Dobson’s been missing recently and Gareth O’Brien’s been missing recently they’ve not been playing as much football and Dobson’s kicking game is key.
“Robert Lui – he’s a very good half-back as well they’re tough with Ben Murdoch-Masila and they’ve just signed Manu Vatuvei on the wing who’s a big old human being.
“So, they’ve got lots of threats and it’ll be a tough game.
“We’ll concentrate on ourselves but, obviously, we’re mindful of the threat they pose.”
Fans can buy tickets from the club’s ticket office prior to kick-off. Supporters are also reminded that the Raging Bull merchandise stand will be outside the ground before the game.
