2014 Preview - Salford Red Devils

The past is irrelevant for Salford. They will be fielding a side unrecognisable from 2013, but unlike London, this team will be full of experienced Super League pro's. Only two of the squad numbered first thirteen played at the club last year.

Rangi Chase and Tim Smith will form a creative and mercurial half back combination. Tommy Lee at hooker and Jake Mullaney at full back will complete an all new playmaking axis. Francis Meli and Junior Sa'u will make up the probable left side attack.

Gareth Hock, Tony Puletua and Harrison Hansen will likely form an experienced back row. Adrian Morley will captain the squad and Lama Tasi will provide youth in the front row, with Steve Rapira another notable forward addition.

Much will come down to the performance and link up between Chase and Smith. There is no doubt they have the vision and talent to unlock opposition defences - Chase led the league for assists in 2013 and between them they scored or set up 56 tries in 45 appearances (for some reason, Castleford v Wakefield in Round 16 has no available stats). You might doubt how well two individual players like these two might connect with one another - Chase carried the ball more than any other player last year and Smith carried it third most at Wakefield, so both like their touches and want to be the man to call the shots. You should definitely doubt the quality they bring when the other team has the ball -  Tim Smith was seen as a light touch defensively early in his career, although performed just below league average for tackles per game and tackle success rate in 2013, but Rangi Chase performed at a miserable level with only around 7 successful tackles per game compared to league average around 18, and he missed on a remarkable 26% of tackle attempts.

There have been questions raised about the age of the new look squad in Salford. They do seem to lack a little pace with the outside backs on the books. You could also question how well a new side thrown together from rival clubs might gel and whether there might be a divide between the players of last year and the new big money signings taking their places. 

The side certainly has experience, boasting one of the oldest first team squads in the competition, but outside the group of around 19 established Super League players the strength in depth is questionable. It will be interesting to see how a couple of injuries in the same position might impact what the Red Devils are able to produce. If it goes to plan though we'll have another contender and a better Super League.

League Leaders Odds: 16/1
Grand Final Odds: 18/1
Cup Odds: 14/1
(source: Oddschecker.com)

Mark's predictions:
League place - 6th
Key man - Rangi Chase
One to watch - Jake Mullaney

Tom's predictions:
League place - 6th
Key man - Rangi Chase
One to watch - Gareth Hock