Salford Red Devils vs Leeds Rhinos Preview

 Leeds Rhinos will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat against Hull FC when they travel to the AJ Bell stadium to face Paul Rowley’s Salford Red Devils. The Leeds squad will be boosted by the return of the captain Kruise Leeming, Matt Prior and new signing James Bentley, who will be looking to make it through a full game for his new club at the second time of asking.

 

Like Leeds, Salford have struggled at the start of the season and sit just 2 places and 2 points above the Rhinos. After starting off with wins against Castleford and Toulouse they have now suffered three defeats in a row. In rounds 3 and 4 in particular they were on the end of two heavy defeats to Hull FC and Huddersfield, losing 48-16 and 34-2 respectively. What has characterised these defeats has been an increasingly disorganised defence that has conceded the third most points in the league. The Huddersfield game in particular would have been a huge disappointment for the new coach as his team not only didn’t score a try but also conceded a number of sloppy tries that are symptomatic of a defence that is unsure of its structure.

 When the two teams faced last year the Rhinos ran out winners in two ill-disciplined games. The first of which at the AJ Bell stadium was infamous for the incident where Lee Mossop received a straight red card for his one punch knockout of Leeds centre Konrad Hurrell. Leeds ran out comfortable 38-12 winners on the day, however the game remained close for 60 minutes before a fatigued Salford defence finally started to leak points. 

Similarly in the reverse fixture at Headingley players from both sides received cards from the referee for their indiscretions. This time Salford could only score one try more as they were beaten 38-16 as Leeds were again able to score tries at ease throughout the game.

Salford through the astute business of managing director Ian Blease and his team have built a squad that is a mix of experienced players and young talented prospects. Their most impressive signings of this off season are a pair of halfbacks in former Melbourne and Brisbane halfback Brodie Croft and challenge cup winner Marc Sneyd. Sneyd returns to the club where he started his career and brings with him a kicking game that is seen as one of the best in the competition, as Leeds learnt last year when he kicked a number of 40/20s when playing for Hull FC against the Rhinos.

As well as the halfbacks Salford also boast a number of quality outside backs who could cause problems from the Rhinos. Ken Sio despite a tough start to the season for the club still sits second in the try scorer’s chart for the season with 7 tries in the 5 games. 

 Leeds coach Richard Agar will be relieved to be able to recall Leeds captain Kruise Leeming to his squad after serving his one match ban.  As well as the leadership skills he brings he has also arguably been the team’s player. Alongside Dwyer the two hookers work in tandem to bring a constant threat to the defensive line and capitalise on any small opening they can spot from dummy half. 

There will also be a second chance for James Bentley to make his second appearance for the club. The second rower will be hoping that this time he will be able to complete a full 80 minutes. Fans will be hoping that he can channel his aggression into providing some much needed grit and determination to a forward pack that were easily out muscled against Hull FC

 As mentioned above it is critical that the Leeds forwards step up and show what they are really capable of. Looking ahead to next week’s clash against league leaders St Helens the forwards will want to lay down a marker by running hard and bullying a Salford pack that should be inferior to themselves.

The Rhinos two new halfbacks will also be in the spotlight as they need to show the fans that they are capable of seizing the game and running the show against a weak Salford defence. Blake Austin in particular should find joy taking on the line and find the gaps he has been threatening to break through in the previous games. What has been lacking so far in attack for Leeds has been a controlled end to sets in the opposition red zone. Aidan Sezer has a bad habit of holding on to the ball and taking it to the line rather than playing the percentages and looking to get a repeat set to build pressure. 

Based on the squads on paper and the results of previous seasons, it is hard to look past an easy win for Leeds and fans will be hoping they see a similar performance to the one seen at Wakefield. However, given the form of the away team and the quality of some of the players Salford have at their disposal there is a chance Salford could spring an upset. Fingers crossed this is not the case and I am predicting that Leeds will win 38-10.

Thank you for reading and remember all Leeds aren't we.