It’s a fixture which needs no introduction.
Games against the eight-time Betfred Super League winners will always bring a dose of anticipation, but this time, ramifications of our latest clash with Leeds Rhinos have cranked up tensions another notch.
On the face of it, defeat for either side isn’t season-ending, but it could go a long way in determining where they might finish come the end of September.
The Rhinos, buoyed by the arrival of Brad Arthur, have shown plenty of positive signs during his first fortnight in charge and will be coming into this weekend off the back of victory against Huddersfield Giants.
A flurry of tries at the end of both half’s earned a 6-34 victory at the John Smith’s Stadium, moving them within two points of a place in the top six.
Salford – who also returned to winning ways with a victory over Castleford Tigers – know a victory in this one would create a six-point gap between themselves and their opponents in seventh.
The Reds also know that should Catalans Dragons slip-up in their meeting with London Broncos on Sunday afternoon, they will move firmly into the top four.
You have to go all the way back to Round 1 for the last time we faced the Rhinos – a 22-16 defeat at AMT Headingley Stadium.
Cade Cust and Ollie Partington were on the scoresheet that night, but a late Sam Lisone try was the difference in a closely-fought contest.
A lot has happened since that game; Salford are currently just one win away from equalling a Club record amount of home wins in a Super League season.
Our only losses on home turf have come at the hands of reigning champions, Wigan Warriors – but both were decided by the narrowest of margins.
We’ve got three important ones to go, including this Saturday – so make sure to click HERE to buy your tickets and bring the noise.
