Salford Red Devils make the short trip to the Halliwell Jones Stadium tomorrow evening to take on Warrington Wolves in their final pre-season friendly, with kick-off at 7.45 pm.
Before head coach Paul Rowley’s first Betfred Super League clash with Castleford Tigers, a number of first-teamers will aim to build vital match fitness and consistency in Lee Mossop’s testimonial.
After being forced to retire through injury, Moose enjoyed a glittering career in rugby league, which included leading Salford to two major finals and competing in the World Cup with England.
The match against the Wire will be raising funds for three incredible charities of his choice; Hospice at Home in Cumbria, Two Brew in Salford and Kidscan, a children’s cancer charity also based in Salford.
Rowley welcomed new signing Tim Lafai into the squad earlier last week, with the Red Devils boss confirming the Samoan international – amongst a few others trying building match sharpness – will be the players involved on Friday night.
Lafai signed for Salford on a one-year deal in December 2021, bringing with him the valuable experience of competing in the NRL with Canterbury Bulldogs and St. George Illawarra Dragons.
Rowley has named 17 Reserves players in a 32-man squad, so tomorrow night’s contest provides the perfect platform for our young lads to shine in front of the head coach.
The likes of Morgan Escare, Ryan Lannon, Josh Johnson and Jack Ormondroyd have been selected, with a further handful of first-teamers who could require the extra minutes as we approach the start of the season.
Salford have enjoyed a productive pre-season so far, beating both Swinton Lions and Halifax Panthers at the The Salford Stadium, with some standout performers displaying their quality.
Our opponents, who finished 3rd in the Betfred Super League last season, have only played one pre-season friendly before this clash – a 14-6 loss to Wigan Warriors in the Stefan Ratchford Testimonial.
Written by: Harry Siddall
