2022 Super League Team-by-Team Preview

 

Our 2022 Preview & Predictions Show is out for you to listen to now! Hear our big predictions / lousy guesses and find out what you the SLP listeners think will happen too.

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In this post, we'll list all the Super League squads along with the ins and outs for you for all the 12 teams. I'll also give you my thoughts on each side ahead of the new season, so you can come back at the end of the year to see how wrong I've got everything!

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Gains:

George Lawler (Hull KR), Callum McLelland (Leeds), Alex Sutcliffe (Leeds), Mahe Fonua (Hull FC), Jake Mamo (Warrington), Joe Westerman (Wakefield), Kenny Edwards (Huddersfield), Bureta Faraimo (Hull FC)

Losses:

Oli Holmes (Warrington), Peter Mata'utia (Warrington), Lewis Bienek (London Broncos), Michael Shenton (retired), Grant Millington (retired), Jesse Sene-Lefao (Featherstone), Alex Foster (Newcastle)

Mark’s view:

The biggest change at Cas is the change of coach. Will that bring a change in style to a more physical power game from the Powell flowing finesse structure of recent years. With Lee Radford bringing in his big physical outside backs from Hull FC in to Cas, you have to think it's a change in direction. That's a worry for this year as it means most of the squad and even some of the new signings aren't from that style. So I worry about maybe some disjointed performances early doors. It's great they still have Paul McShane, the obvious choice for new captain, although they've lost some real leadership on the playing staff with the players that retired and the pair that followed Powell to Wire. Mavericks and wildcards like Mamo, Edwards and Westerman are a different type to the players that have left, but could offer entertainment even if it's not the classy Cas style the jungle has become accustomed to. The final thing for me on this Cas side is the halves. Lots of talent in there with the starters and the depth behind them. Lots of talent, but also there is some inconsistency, of both performance and availability. How Trueman bounces back from a challenging year could be the difference between playoff contention or an unremarkable lower half season.

Mark’s prediction: 

9th

Gains:

Mitchell Pearce (Knights), Dylan Napa (Bulldogs), Tyrone May (Panthers)

Losses:

Joel Tomkins (retired), James Maloney (Lezignan), Jason Batieri (Lezignan), Lambert Belmas (Lezignan)

Mark’s view:

One aging NRL winning half moves on and another moves in. I have to expect Les Dracs will be there or thereabouts again this year. That young French squad depth that I had misplaced concern about in 2021 is now a year more experienced and game proven. There is a generally settled nature to the squad, the leadership group and the off-field staff, so the performance level of 2021 shouldn't fall off really. And their recruitment, whilst there is a whiff of character concerns in their pasts - isn't there with most Catalans NRL signings - what they've done is brought in three former NRL winners. Pearce replaces Maloney and the other two feel like upgrades more than replacements.

Mark’s prediction: 

3rd

Gains:

Theo Fages (St Helens), Tui Lolohea (Salford), Chris Hill (Warrington), Nathan Mason (Leigh), Danny Levi (Knights), Innes Senior (Wakefield, loan return), Seb Ikahihifo (Salford, loan return), Oli Roberts (Salford, loan return)

Losses:

Lee Gaskell (Wakefield), James Cunningham (Toulouse), Joe Wardle (Leigh), Aidan Sezer (Leeds), Kenny Edwards (Castleford), Nathaniel Peteru (released), Sam Wood (Hull KR), Darnell McIntosh (Hull FC), Nathan Peats (Albi), Ronan Michael (York, loan)

Mark’s view:

There's been quite a big player turnover following what was really a disappointing first season under Ian Watson last year. What has happened though is Watson has brought in some key lieutenants that can deliver on the project, instead of act against it. Theo Fages was, for me, the best Super League half available in the off-season, and Tui Lolohea was at his best under Watson at Salford. Chris Hill brings huge experience, and 2021 was a season where he did seem to stall the apparent decline in his performance and abilities, so Huddersfield will hope there's something left in the tank. When I look down the list of losses, the only one that stands out as not really being adequately replaced is McIntosh. The Giants have named full back Golding in a starting wing squad number, and the Senior twins will need to show much more than I feel they have so far to fill in what McIntosh offered at his best. Outside back is the area of the squad I have concerns over for this side. Maybe points scoring might remain an issue, but I expect them to be closer to what many (me included) expected last year.

Mark’s prediction: 

6th

Gains:

Darnell McIntosh (Huddersfield), Joe Lovodua (Rabbitohs), Kane Evans (Warriors), Luke Gale (Leeds)

Losses:

Mahe Fonua (Castleford), Bureta Faraimo (Castleford), Masi Matongo (York), Marc Sneyd (Salford)

Mark’s view:

This is not your Lee Radford Hull FC. Gone are the big wingers and the mid-field metronome that were so crucial to those Challenge Cup successes of half a decade ago. What is there now is a skilful and pacy looking three-quarter line in, from available info, the shortest side in the league. There is decent depth across the board, other than half back, where really only young Ben McNamara offers depth, and that proved to be an issue at times last year, and with two starting halves at the older end that could be a lingering concern. The other lingering concern is whether these playmakers can all get on with each other and the rest of their team. There is a feeling from the outside looking in that the 1, 6 & 7 all have a streak of petulance in them, and if the chips are down how will that play out. Maybe this perception is nonsense, Luke Gale has been named captain after all, so he must be making a positive impression inside the camp. I just feel now Hull FC need to show me something for me to believe they're anything other than midtable with a week 1 playoff departure their absolute peak. Hopefully for black and white fans, they'll show it this year.

Mark’s prediction: 

7th

Gains:

Lachlan Coote (St Helens), Sam Wood (Huddersfield), Frankie Halton (Featherstone), Greg Richards (London Broncos), Phoenix Laulu-Tongaga'e (Keighley, loan return), Tom Garrett (Dewsbury)

Losses:

Greg Minikin (Warrington), George Lawler (Castleford), Adam Quinlan (released), Owen Harrison (Dewsbury), Anesu Mudoti (Keighley), Joe Keyes (Halifax), Muizz Mustapha (Leeds, loan return), Tom Whur (Rochdale, loan)

Mark’s view:

2021 went almost as well as it could have done for the Robins. They surpassed expectations and entertained everyone along the way. And then they went and signed one of the best players on the league in Lachlan Coote, to replace the talented yet injury ridden Quinlan. So they'll be hoping for more of the same out of their experienced and skilful back line. That said, they’ve taken a punt on a few Championship players and their pack isn't particularly star-studded. Outside back depth is a little light too. Sure, they'll be enjoyable to watch again in 2022, and Tony Smith might still have some ideas to surprise a few teams, but I just can't see them making the waves they did last year sorry Robins fans.

Mark’s prediction: 

8th

Gains:

David Fusitu'a (Warriors), Aidan Sezer (Huddersfield), Blake Austin (Warrington), James Bentley (St Helens), Muizz Mustapha (Hull KR, loan return)

Losses:

Konrad Hurrell (St Helens), Robert Lui (retired), King Vuniyayawa (Salford), Callum McLelland (Castleford), Alex Sutcliffe (Castleford), Luke Briscoe (Featherstone), Luke Gale (Hull FC), Corey Hall (Wakefield)

Mark’s view:

Leeds seem to be the team that many observers expect to progress this year - they're a lot of people's pick for dark horses in the trophy shake up, and in fact the SLP voters have them up for the cup. It's easy to see why with a big splash on a new half pairing, one that played 55 games in combination in the NRL, with an overall winning record. Fusitu'a is also being heralded as an impressive signing, although he's only scored 6 tries in 31 games for club and country in the last three years so some of the excitement should be tempered - but then, Ryan Hall came back from the NRL with an even worse record and did ok last year! The top 20 players in their squad are arguably a match for anyone else, and there is plenty of talent and a smattering of experience in the young players that make up the rest of the squad. They should be competitive this year. But I'd be surprised if they lifted silverware personally. One other thing to note, on the listed available numbers at least, they are the lightest squad in the league. Whether that will be a factor will be found out through the year.

Mark’s prediction: 

5th

Gains:

Shane Wright (Cowboys), Brodie Croft (Broncos), Ryan Brierley (Leigh), King Vuniyaywa (Leeds), Amir Bourouh (Wigan), Sitaleki Akuala (Warrington), Deon Cross (Widnes), Marc Sneyd (Hull FC), Tim Lafai (Eels), Alex Gerrard (Leigh)

Losses:

Pauli Pauli (York), Kevin Brown (retired), Dec Patton (Bradford), Tui Lolohea (Huddersfield), Lee Mossop (retired), Seb Ikahihifo (Huddersfield, loan return), Ed Chamberlain (Leigh), Oli Roberts (Huddersfield, loan return), Krisnan Inu (Lezignan), Ata Hingano (Leigh)

Mark’s view:

It's a big turnover at Salford, including another change at head coach, although this time it is an internal promotion that has some ties to the successful Watson era, but it's again someone with no experience of a head coach role in Super League. Add in to that a new half back pairing and a necessary change in team leadership with captain Mossop and experienced Brown retiring. The only stable positions from a year ago are the wingers and the hooker, but otherwise from a mix of injury and squad changes, they will feel like a new side. The pack is a concern for me, although the late addition of Alex Gerrard adds a bit of depth. I'm not quite sure that is enough. And with the off field uncertainties about where this team can play in future years, it's a precarious time - this side needs to gel faster than I expect it to, I can't see better than bottom three for them unfortunately.

Mark’s prediction: 

11th

Gains:

Konrad Hurrell (Leeds), Joey Lussick (Eels), Curtis Sironen (Sea Eagles), James Bell (Leigh), Will Hopoate (Bulldogs), Daniel Hill (Widnes)

Losses:

James Bentley (Leeds), Theo Fages (Huddersfield), Lachlan Coote (St Helens), Nico Rizelli (released), Aaron Smith (Leigh, loan), Josh Eaves (Newcastle), Joel Thompson (retired), Tom Nisbet (Leigh, loan), Kevin Naiqama (Roosters)

Mark’s view:

When you look at the list of losses, St Helens will be changing some key parts to their team this year - Coote and Naiqama have had three seasons where all they've known is Grand Final glory, with Bentley and Thompson playing their parts in that too. And Fages has been a big part of their success in his six seasons at Saints. Yet despite this turnover, they're still favourites this year. That's because they've seemingly planned well for this transition. Jack Welsby, twice the SLP Young Player of the Year, once the Super League Young Player of the Year, has been seemingly building towards the full-time fullback spot, and Lewis Dodd was brought along to be prepared for the starting halfback role during a successful 2021 for him. Hopoate, Sironen and Bell come in as sound replacements for Naiqama, Bentley and Thompson. And for some reason Konny Hurrell is there too. Then the surprise signing, Joey Lussick, great at Salford, underused at Parramatta, and now here to spell James Roby towards his eventual retirement. It could be a brilliant bit of business. So are there any concerns? Well, a couple of injuries in the spine and depth will start to be tested, and there's still the concern Kristian Wolff's style will make everyone fall to sleep. But, with Big Al in his testimonial year, if he stays fit, he's such a weapon that had no real equal in the competition, I think they win the Grand Final again. From 2nd again.

Mark’s prediction: 

2nd

Gains:

James Cunningham (Huddersfield), Gadwin Springer (Featherstone), Matty Russell (Leigh), Chris Hankinson (Wigan)

Losses:

Remi Casty (retired), Jy Hitchcox (Leigh), Bastian Ader (Limoux), Johnathon Ford (released)

Mark’s view:

I was really excited about the proposition of Toulouse joining Super League, and I was pleased that they largely kept their very successful Championship side together under their impressive head coach Sylvain Houles. And I still expect them to be skilful, entertaining and fun to watch. But, there is a cloud over them on the eve of the season, with captain Johno Ford leaving just a couple of weeks before the new season, question marks over their other star man Mark Kheirallah and on the Covid vaccination status of their other members of their squad, in the face of strict rules on professional sportspeople in France. They already come in to the season with the oldest and smallest squad. It's a worry. Particularly for a newly promoted side that do things a little different, and need a good start to the season, to get themselves in a strong position before ther other teams get chance to work them out a little. A concern is they need to bring a couple of men in, but it's too late to make well considered replacements or additions, so they might have to bring in a few poor fits for them to have squad depth. I wish I could say I think they'll be safe, but I think 11th now would be a big success.

Mark’s prediction: 

12th

Gains:

Lee Gaskell (Huddersfield), Liam Hood (Leigh), Tom Lineham (Warrington), Sadiq Adebiyi (London Broncos), Jai Whitbread (Leigh), Corey Hall (Leeds), Thomas Minns (Featherstone/Newcastle), John Davetanivalu (union)

Losses:

Joe Westerman (Castleford), Josh Wood (Barrow), Kyle Wood (Halifax), Innes Senior (Huddersfield, loan return), Alex Walker (released), Ollie Greensmith (Dewsbury), Chris Green (Leigh), Joe Arundel (Halifax), Ryan Hampshire (released), Connor Bailey (Newcastle)

Mark’s view:

10 out and 8 in at Wakefield suggests a big turnover for Willie Poching's first full season in charge. But really, it's only eth hooker and loose forward spots that see a real change. But both see a downgrade for me. It's Hood and kids at hooker, after Kyle Wood had been such an influence in this side in previous years, helping make the halves better in my view. The same can be said for ball playing loose forward Westerman, who was very good in the first half of 2021 particularly. They don't have another player like him. How far Wakefield can go will mostly depend on how fit their three-quarter line can stay, as they have tyr-scoring ability in that first choice group of Johnstone, Tupou, Lyne & Lineham for sure. If they can play most of the games, they should be safe, and pick up the odd top half of the table scalp, although I don't expect them to be challenging the top half.

Mark’s prediction: 

10th

Gains:

Peter Mata'utia (Castleford), Greg Minikin (Hull KR), Oli Holmes (Castleford), James Harrison (Featherstone), Billy Magoulias (Sharks), Joe Bullock (Wigan)

Losses:

Jake Mamo (Castleford), Tom Lineham (Wakefield), Sitaleki Akaoula (Salford), Blake Austin (Leeds), Chris Hill (Huddersfield), Samy Kibula (Bradford), Nathan Roebuck (Keighley)

Mark’s view:

The main question for Wire is how well will they adapt to a more flowing attack of Powell, compared to the much more conservative (with a small c) pattern of play favoured by the departed Steve Price. I think they do have the right players for Powell's style, but it might still take time. Other than bringing in a few Powell literate players, I'm not sure there's any real significance in the transfers. Other than to note obviously Chris Hill was such a mainstay for so long that there will be some leadership to replace there, but Wire had been transitioning away from Hill's influence and presence for a couple of years anyway. To an extent, spine depth is a concern, with so much of the salary cap put on the starting 6, 7 & 9. But testimonial man Stef Ratchford has the versatility to cover that off. With the experience and ability of their first choice 17, this side has the quality to come good, and potentially entertain a bit under Powell. I expect a slow first month but a strong season overall.

Mark’s prediction: 

1st

Gains:

Abbas Miski (London Broncos), Kaide Ellis (Dragons), Patrick Mago (Rabbitohs), Cade Cust (Sea Eagles), Iain Thornley (Leigh), Ramon Silva (London Broncos)

Losses:

Jackson Hastings (Wests Tigers), Joe Bullock (Warrington), Oliver Gildart (Wests Tigers), Amir Bourouh (Salford), Tony Clubb (retired), Mitch Clark (Newcastle), Dom Manfredi (retired), Chris Hankinson (Toulouse)

Mark’s view:

You might have heard me say it already, I imagine I'll say it a few more times too, I fear/think 2022 will be year 2 of a 3 year trophy free spell at Wigan. A fairly young and physically squad has added an element of size from down under with Mago and Ellis, who should strengthen what was an underpowered pack in 2021. Wigan now have good options and strong depth in the pack. Losing main man Jackson Hastings is somewhat of a blow, although Hastings was so dominant that at times it hindered the team in 2021, despite his own brilliance. I'm optimistic that Cade Cust will be a capable replacement. And Wigan have options in the spine too. However, for Wigan to be more than also-rans they need Bevan French to come back, get match fit, and play plenty of games. French and Field are rapid, and Marshall is nippy on the wing, but otherwise Wigan's speed isn't scary. French though scares opponents. With him, they have a threatening backline, without him they have good but not exhilarating backs.

Mark’s prediction: 

4th

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The C Word. And, as it happens, the L Word.

Super League recruitment this year has seen an influx of antipodean players that I would argue represents an uptick in terms of the talent we have seen coming over in recent years. The arrivals of Frank Pritchard, Glenn Stewart, Sika Manu, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Kurt Gidley, and yes, even Big Dave Taylor should all prove to be positive additions to their respective teams, and serve to augment the experience of the viewing public as the year goes by.

By the same token there are certainly players who, in the kindest terms might be described as journeymen or, in more disparaging circles, past it.

Sometimes of course, these “global professionals” go on to wow us, become cult heroes to their respective fans, and live on in the lore of Super League long after their brief flashes of brilliance have faded.

Over the years some fine talents have graced our stadia. It would be fair to say that in some cases, the circumstances which have brought certain players to our sport have been less than glamourous. Todd Carney and Joel Monaghan lost their place in the NRL as the result of various indiscretions. It is flatly because of their immature and frankly stupid actions that they are now plying their trades in the Northern Hemisphere - but it would be unfair to both Carney and Monaghan not to mention that they are doing so with some aplomb.

In both Carney and Monaghan’s cases their behaviour and subsequent decampment to Super League was met generally with the rolling of our collective eyes. Much mickey-taking followed but there was far from the groundswell of outrage that some portions of the world outside rugby might have expected, or even hoped for.

Having said that one of this season’s new arrivals has, certainly at SLP Headquarters, sparked some degree of deeper upset.

Robert Lui arrived at Salford during the off season amid relatively little fanfare. For a halfback with some real skill this may seem surprising, but Lui comes with some pretty serious baggage. Baggage which goes way beyond the drunken exploits of a young man in the public eye. This is perhaps why he was not lauded as he might otherwise have been upon arriving on English soil.

For the benefit of those who may not be fully informed, Lui has been convicted of occasioning actual bodily harm on his partner. It does not require me to editorialise, or try to influence a reader’s reaction in any fashion to illicit an emotional reaction to this. Or at least it shouldn’t.

I will state here and now that I do not consider the indiscretions of misters Carney, Carney, Monaghan, Ferres and Hardaker to be even in the same stratosphere as a crime such as this. And I will further state that I do believe that since Lui has been punished for his crimes, in the eyes of the law at least, he should now be allowed to seek employment in the same fashion that others in the same position do, provided he is subject to the same checks and balances that exist for such people.

My personal opinion is that he should not be allowed to play rugby professionally again. Fortunately I don’t make the rules. If I did the world would be run quite differently and I’m not sure I’m up to the task.

And so to the crux of the matter. On a personal level both Mark and I feel a strong sense of indignation towards Robert Lui. His actions were repugnant and represent some of the most cowardly acts a man can perform. His continued presence in our sport, to my mind, demonstrates a willingness on the part of our governing bodies to tacitly approve of those actions, although I understand their hands are tied to some degree.

Our hands however, are not tied. We can chose to do what we like with Robert Lui. We can call him all the derogatory words we wish whenever his name comes up, or we can choose to deny his existence all together. Initially our plan was to simply ignore him. I recall saying that even were Lui to win Man of Steel this year I would choose not to mention it and deny him the oxygen of publicity our show offers (albeit in minuscule amounts!).

So the decision was made simply to not give Lui the time of day in our little corner of Rugby League Media. Then something happened.

A Salford fan whose opinion we hold in high esteem, pointed out to us that Lui had played well in pre-season and that we had neglected to mention this during our season preview show. This presented me with a bit of a problem.  Whilst we do not claim to be the loudest voice in Rugby League, we do claim to be all encompassing and to cover every aspect of the sport. I found myself wondering aloud if I had been over-reacting by deciding not to talk about Robert Lui’s on field performances because of the disdain with which I view his previous behaviour.

I don’t like having my guns unstuck, so this was a strange feeling for me.

There is a petulant child who lives in my brain. He tells me to do things from time to time that I know I shouldn’t do. He also gives me the worse possible advice when it comes to my behaviour. Occasionally I listen to him with disastrous consequences. Whilst I was thinking about Robert Lui this kid spoke up. “Talk about him, but call him a c*nt every time you do”.

See? Terrible advice.

It goes without saying that I can’t use the turn of phrase “the woman-beating-c*nt-Robert-Lui” every time I refer to the man. Firstly, whilst I like a good swear and have no problem with the word on a personal level, I know that others will find this in poor taste. Poorer taste than beating your other half? Probably not, but there is no reason to let the actions of one man cause me to lower myself too far.

I decided I needed to be better informed on the subject. So I Googled it. Ten minutes later I knew how I wanted to proceed with the whole Robert-Lui-Woman-Beater thing. It has taken me a couple of weeks to get my thoughts in order, but I think I’ve landed on a healthy solution. In fact, I think I can shoehorn Robert Lui’s abhorrent actions into something positive….

Each year around 2.1m people suffer some form of domestic abuse -  1.4 million women (8.5% of the population) and 700,000 men (4.5% of the population).

In 2013-14 the police recorded 887,000 domestic abuse incidents in England and Wales.

Seven women a month are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales.

85% of victims sought help five times on average from professionals in the year before they got effective help to stop the abuse.

These statistics are readily available by going HERE. You can go there right now and see this first hand, as I did. Doing so opened my eyes.

Of course I knew that domestic violence occurs, but not in these numbers. I’m now angry at myself for being naïve to this issue. Particularly I was astonished how hard people suffering from domestic violence have to work before receiving adequate support.

I have decided not to be naïve to this issue anymore.

Let me put things in simple terms. If there are 100 women at the next match you attend nine of them are suffering some form of domestic violence. I’m not trying to marginalise the men who suffer in this fashion, but as the parent of a little girl this is where my passion lies.

This is an awful thought and reducing this type of crime can only happen if we talk about it. So I’m going to talk about it. Every time Robert Lui comes up organically on the show, I will refer to him as “convicted domestic abuser Robert Lui”. Does this solve the problem? No. Can I solve this problem alone? No. Can I do more than slag off one criminal to raise awareness of this issue? Your damn right I can.

So here is what I propose.

I am committing here, now and in writing to raise money and awareness for victims of domestic violence. Over the next twelve months I will be undertaking different physical challenges in the name of the charity Refuge, which helps countless women to escape from abusive relationships every year. I will be running both 10k’s in Blackpool and Preston (July 7^th and September 25^th respectively) and on the eve of the Grand Final I will be cycling 200km. In doing so I will be canvassing for sponsorship, I will also be talking about this as the weeks pass on the show. You’ve been warned. And of course I invite you all to do the same.

What I’ve realised by thinking about this issue is that hiding it doesn’t help diminish it. Ignoring Robert Lui as a protest against domestic violence is pointless. Talking about the subject in broader terms will. Raising money for the charities which work so hard to reduce this will. If you feel compelled to sponsor me (and believe me, over the coming months you’re going to want to donate just to shut me up) please head to www.justgiving.com/superleaguepodstandsup

The plan is to raise £2000 for this worthwhile cause. If everyone who follow us on twitter gave just £1 we would smash that target.

My aim is now to turn something terrible into a positive, rather than let it fester within me. I would urge everyone who reads this and everyone who listens to the show to do the same.

Tom
SLP

Round 1 - Salford v Wakefield preview

The last time we were both at the Salford City Stadium was an important moment in the genesis of our podcast. The idea wasn't born, but the seeds were sown.

Tom has already recalled memories of that trip, for his stag do last May. It was Mark's first experience of a Super League game as a neutral, stood in the away end, an unusual experience for many fans. More followed last year for us both and in our Challenge Cup Final journey, with Tom this time the neutral, the idea came together - to get a wider sense of Rugby League by taking in different experiences at different venues and occasions.

Here we are now, approaching our first 'feature game' of our first season. Where better to start than at a club with a new identity for 2014. A club grabbing positive headlines for the ambition they are showing and the new threat they will pose to the established order.

Last season

Both sides on view at the AJ Bell Stadium, as it's now known, have seen some significant changes in personnel in the off season, for opposite reasons. However, last season could still give us some clues about how this game may go and who will be the main men.

Really its hard to understand how Salford escaped Belle Vue with anything last season (but for four missed conversions it would have been a different story), and its clear how Wakefield took Salford apart in the return fixture. 

A couple of key numbers to pull out are the missed tackles and penalties - Salford gave themselves a lot of extra work to do in those two games. 

Something else of interest is the runs out of dummy half. Wakefield must have managed lots of fast play, though it wasn't just the hooker who was running out of dummy half with their back three getting involved plenty too. It's a tactic that clearly benefited them and winger Cockayne was a key performer in both games, as was full back Richie Mathers. 

Of course Cockayne has gone but the tactic can still be effective with the players they have, and Salford do have one of the oldest first team squads in Super League looking at their top 19/20 players. Quick and feisty play from the ruck could be a way to get at Salford. They were low in the league for marker tackles in 2013, and that with a younger side.

On the plus side for Salford, some of their new signings had strong games against Wakefield last term:

Six of those performances saw over 100m games from a variety of positions in matches with different outcomes. The attacking numbers Hock produced directly against the strength of the Wakefield team in captain Danny Kirmond are a positive to look for come Sunday for Salford.

Keys to the game

There are areas where Wakefield can attack Salford. Around the ruck is an area they got at last season. They should also have a good understanding of what Tim Smith will be looking to do with ball in hand. Potential defensive weakness in the halves is another factor the Wildcats will try to exploit.

However, you would have to fancy the Red Devils as favourites with their expensively assembled team in a much better state of preparation than the Wakefield side still uncertain over how much a role their new overseas signings can have, assuming they arrive this week. The bookies are making the Reds big odds on favourites.

Form

Certainly the preseason hasn't offered Wakefield great reason for optimism. After a hard fought draw on boxing day at Leeds, a close to full strength side were well beaten by Featherstone before a strong first half showing at Hunslet meant a big, yet scrappy, win rounded off the trial games.

Salford on the other hand had a camp in South Africa and just the two trial games. A win at Leigh was followed by a defeat at Warrington, although the fans were very buoyant despite the loss and it seems they are confident going into the season.

Other games in Round 1

13/02/2014 20:00 Warrington v St Helens *live on Sky Sports

14/02/2014 20:00 Hull FC v Catalan *live on Sky Sports

16/02/2014 15:00 Widnes v London
16/02/2014 15:00 Hull KR v Leeds
16/02/2014 15:00 Bradford v Castleford

Listen out for our predictions of Episode 4 of Super League Pod and send us yours!

Salford - Past, Present & Red Devilution

Salford are announcing themselves as the most talked about club in Rugby League, and in fairness they have put themselves in the news plenty in the last 12 months since Dr Marwan Koukash saved the cash strapped club from a winding up petition.

The business and racehorse magnate has certainly looked to put his money where his mouth is and has backed up his bold ambitions with player recruitment. He has also been on a charm offensive with supporters and the media, both with his own club and across the sport. He has been available to TV and radio, accessible on Twitter and accommodating to supporters groups.

Before we look more into the brave new venture for the renamed Red Devils, we'll look a bit into their past, including a look at Les Diables Rouges that took the sport by storm in the 1930s.

Glory Days
Salford have had two real glory periods to date - the 1930s and the 1970s.

At the start of the 20th Century, they moved into The Willows and made the game's first £100 signing, in what was to be a nearly decade for Salford. They were runners up three times in the league and four times in the Challenge Cup between 1900 and 1907, before finally tasting glory in the 1913/1914 Premiership Final.

League Legend Lance Todd became Salford coach in 1928 and added Gus Risman to his young team a year later, putting the pieces in place for a glorious period for the club. Five Lancashire Leagues, four Lancashire Cups, three Premiership wins and their only Challenge Cup success to date followed in the decade up to World War II. 

So impressive was the club in this era that they were chosen to help grow the fledgling Rugby XIII in France as the first British team to tour the country in 1934. They won all of the six matches on tour and along the way picked up the nickname Les Diables Rouges - The Red Devils.

Glory evaded the club until entertainment entrepreneur Brian Snape and his Willows Variety Club business model, with floodlit Friday night rugby boosting crowds and allowing them to assemble 'The Quality Street Gang'. This time a transfer record fee to convert British Lions captain David Watkins to League was the key signing that the successful side of the early-to-mid-1970s was forged around. Their final Lancashire Cup win preceded 2 Premierships and a Floodlit Trophy title in this era.

Harsh financial times met the promotion and relegation era with Salford being a real yo-yo club in the 1980s, before missing out on the first Super League campaign as the league was restructured and rejigged. Again they became somewhat of a yo-yo club, then failed to prosper despite gaining licence status in the expanded 14 team era and moving to their new Barton home. Dr Koukash will be looking to the example of the 30s and latterly the Brian Snape years for inspiration with his new Salford.

Greatest Games
The first truly great day for the club has to be that 1914 Premiership Final triumph against Huddersfield's 'team of all talents' that had dominated the sport before World War l, leading the league that year too and being heavily favoured over cash strapped Salford.

It was a classic encounter of attack versus defence, Huddersfield's free scoring top point scorers against Salford's mean top defence from the season's play. 

Defence won out despite a lot of Fartown second half pressure, 5-3 with winger Bernard Mesley converting Charlie Rees' try to take a lead they would stubbornly hold on to. 

The tactical preparations of team captain Willie Thomas were heralded as a key factor in Salford's ability to keep out the Huddersfield attack. In a rather pioneering fashion he went along to watch the second semi final to take notes on their opponents and figuring out a way to dominate scrum possession to take home the trophy.

As sweet as their first Premiership was, their second 19 years later would have been all the sweeter as it came against local derby rivals Swinton. This wasn't the first title of the golden era of the 1930s, a Lancashire Cup was won the year before, but this set win Salford up as the best Rugby League team in the country for nearly a decade.

This time Salford took a first half lead thanks to good attacking play by Emlyn Jenkins and Gus Risman creating two early tries, as well as Swinton's goal kicker Bob Scott being off form.

A late first half try meant Salford lead 8-5 at the interval. A Gus Risman penalty came between two concerted efforts on the Salford line. Swinton came close more than once before a late kick chase saw Jack Feetham capitalise on a Swinton era and seal the game, Risman converting for his 100th goal of the season, the first Salford player to reach that figure, to cap off a 15-5 victory.

The 1938 Challenge Cup Final didn't go in to the record books as a classic, but will be regarded as such in Salford, as it is the club's only victory of the famous trophy to date. One journalist at the time described the post-match celebrations as being more memorable than the actual play. Rugby League historian Graham Morris described it as a dull dour battle of attrition. Match winner Albert Gear couldn't recall receiving a whole pass all match, saying the forwards and halves cancelled each other out. Not one for the ages, clearly.

It all came down to the last play of the game. Full back Harold Osbaldestin hoofed a clearing kick down field  and Barrow's Alec Troup made a hash of it, wildly offloading the ball, with Gear nipping in to poke the ball forward with his foot and gather on the bounce to touch down. Captain Risman's missed conversion ran out the clock and the Salford celebrations began. 

The iconic image of Risman carrying the cup on the shoulders of his team mates, cigarette tucked behind his ear, smile on his face, endures for Salford fans to this day.

Unfortunately limited online copy and video coverage means we can't detail any of the seminal victories of Salford's second glory spell in the first half of the 1970s that brought two Championship titles in the Grand Final-less era. This means another legendary Welsh Union convert, diminutive David Watkins, doesn't get the spotlight he might deserve in this piece. It also means we can't focus on the glorious 1974-75 Floodlit Trophy 0-0 final with Warrington at The Willows - for the record, Salford won the replay at Wilderspool 10-5.

For Salford fans of a later generation, the John Wilkinson generation, the greatest match is likely the 1996 Challenge Cup defeat of the all conquering Wigan side that had lifted the cup eight times in a row and were unbeaten in 43 cup ties. It was the Wilkinson's own personal highlight of The Willows when the grand old stadium was closed in 2011.

A Salford side, fresh from glory of winning the second tier league title but disappointment of not finding a spot in the new Super League competition, that had a strong Wigan theme to it toppled the champions 26-16 almost 18 years ago to the day of posting this piece. Wigan legend Andy Gregory coached the side that figured a number of Wigan old boys, including testimonial denied Steve Hampson with a grudge to bear and a point to prove. 18 of Salford's points came from Wigan old boys Scott Naylor and Steve Blakeley, Blakeley winning the man of the match award.

Flowing attacking rugby and pacey breaks from deep saw Salford take advantage of sloppy Wigan defence. Blakeley and Mark Lee were regular threats against a slow and lumbering Wigan forward pack. In truth, it could have been worse, Salford having two further second half tries ruled out for forwards passes.

Our memories

We've talked about some famous days for Salford fans, what about for us two, non-Salford fans:

Mark - I've not yet watched a Wigan game at the new stadium, but I did go to The Willows a number of times. Most of the time I saw Wigan win, more often than not comfortably. The game that sticks in my mind though was my first ever visit there in 2001 - a Wigan loss.

It was a sunny and warm May Sunday afternoon, Wigan's last outing had been a home thumping of Wakefield and Salford were missing a number of first team players. To be honest I expected a big win, and at the half, leading 22-12, I was enjoying the sunshine and some of my uncle's summer flask favourite, fresh orange and lemonade. All was good for this young Wigan fan. I was also a fan of the double size steps on the terracing, a feature that made The Willows one of my favoured away grounds, meaning I could see all the actions without ducking around those in front of me...

...then young prop Ricky Bibey, with a reputation for hits as big as his physique, came on. He bounced off a few players, then tried to take the head off first half try scorer Michael Hancock. It was one of the first red cards I'd seen live and one of the clearest you could get.

I thought 12 man Wigan had won it for us fans when David Hodgson scored a long range effort, but Nick Pinkney scored a hat-trick, with Graham Holroyd converted his third from the touchline to make it 30-30 in the final 10 minutes. Holroyd kicked a painful drop goal a few minutes from time, Wigan couldn't pick themselves up to match it, and the game was lost. I never quite expected much from Bibey after that day, I wouldn't have believed he would go on to win two Challenge Cups.

Tom - My only trip as an away fan to Salford came last season. Memories, however, are hazy due to it being my stag do, last May. 

We were spending the weekend in Manchester and the festivities began with a Friday night trip to watch the Bulls play the Reds. Of the dozen or so of us, only Mark and I had anything more than a passing interest in rugby league, so whilst they huddled out of the rain in the away end drinking, Mark and I enjoyed the action on the field. As well as drinking, I was attracting attention from the locals - since I'm the better part of eighteen stone, have a shiny bald head and was dressed as a cheerleader in pink hotpants. One Salford fan even asked me to pose for a photo with his kids!

The ale was flowing and the Bulls were pulling away quite nicely after a ropey first twenty minutes. I remember having a lovely time watching the game. What I don't remember was verbally abusing Vic Mauro (who had been tenuously linked with the Bulls before signing with Salford) during a break in play where Chris Nero was pretty seriously injured. It takes a lot to offend away fans in my experience, but apparently I was able to do it with a reference to Mauro's weight and a four letter word. 

The second thing I have a vague recollection of is talking animatedly with another bulls fan whilst stood by the hoardings when the Bulls scored from a quick break. In the ensuing celebrations my new best friend knocked my full can of bitter out of my hands and over the hoardings...and onto a disabled gentleman. Luckily he saw the funny side to my furious drunken apologies!

For the record, the Bulls won 28-7.


The Devilution
Knowing what we now know about Salford's history, surely it was only a matter of time before another chairman came on board with big ideas and deep pockets he was willing to spend from.

With the club on the brink, in came Dr Marwan Koukash. He was enticed into the game by Nigel Wood, although his growing challenges and criticisms of the RFL's leadership of our game may mean 'the fat controller' wishes he hadn't encouraged him.

Dr Koukash's first season in charge ended with the wooden spoon, thanks in part to an extra man popping up against Castleford to defend the line in the dying stages. However, he showed he meant business early on with the appointment of former Bradford, Wigan and Great Britain coach Brian Noble a headline move.

Record shattering attempts to sign Sam Tomkins and Sonny-Bill Williams didn't come off for the Doc, but on 5 September 2013 the Devilution started to take shape. That day, Dr Koukash announced 8 new signings to the club, including headline names Rangi Chase, Tim Smith and Gareth Hock. He declared that the days of Salford being a selling club, losing players to the top clubs, was over and the newly reclaimed Red Devils would be fighting to be a match for those clubs the likes of Stefan Ratchford and Matty Smith had been lost to. His aim - to make Salford the biggest club in the land within a few short years.

The immediate focus for Salford is to be competitive on the field. Dr Koukash hopes for a top four finish, and seems to be demanding a top six finish minimum. In all, 14 new faces have been added to help Brian Noble achieve his goals. We're sure you're all aware of the names by now. In have come champion players with winning experience like Adrian Morley, Francis Meli and most recently Harrison Hansen. Flair and creativity is expected from Chase and Smith. A mix of experience (Steve Rapira, Junior Sa'u) and young talent (Jake Mullaney, Lama Tasi) have come from down under too. Hock and Tony Puletua will be expected to bring the x-factor to what last season was a workmanlike back row. 

On the field the Devilution is ready to spring in to life. Off the field there are still some questions. We don't know much about the inner-runnings of the club, but obviously its important that Koukash gets financial support from corporate avenues so that any exit he may make will still see a sustainable franchise left behind, or this could be all for nothing in the end. 

Official season ticket sales figures aren't clear to find, but the suggestion is the 7,000 to 9,000 average gates the doctor spoke of needing to see for the club to build seem a way off yet, unfortunately. Also, a recent plea for business club membership suggests interest at that level hasn't been what was hoped, although its something all Super League clubs should and will constantly be pushing for more of, so maybe we shouldn't read too much into that.

In the long term, Dr Koukash plans to turn the areas surrounding the stadium in Barton into a destination, capable of bringing funding in to the club outside of the rugby team. Key to those plans might be buying an interest in the stadium, something Dr Koukash announced intention of doing just after buying the club, but something that has yet to come to fruition. Were Dr Koukash to get the stadium, or an alternative stadium, for himself the plans are to develop an entertainment complex with hotel, casino, bars and intriguingly a water park. The development would also include a new training base, showing that his rugby league team is still core to his visions.

He may be brash. He may be outspoken. He may be challenging the established order. These may not be bad things of course. One thing we think everyone can agree on is he has brought a new level of interest to Salford Rugby League. He has added another genuine contender to the Super League trophy race. He has built another side that will spend to the cap and invest seriously in youth development. These are all things that have to progress rugby league in this country, and one thing that shines through is that Dr Koukash has fallen in love with this great game that we all already knew was the best sport around.



We discuss our opinions on the Devilution and look forward to the first game of this new era for Salford in Episode 4 of Super League Pod...

Thanks to Gaz Shaw and the guys at the Devil In The Detail podcast for their help in guiding us towards putting this piece together. We hope they feel we've covered their beloved club well!