SUNDAY’S visitors Salford Red Devils will “really challenge” a Warrington Wolves defence that has had its confidence boosted of late, head coach Daryl Powell says.
Fresh from keeping Hull FC off the scoresheet last time out – the first time they have ‘nilled’ an opponent since a 36-0 win over Wakefield Trinity in August 2020 – The Wire will now be tested by in an entirely different way.
While they sit alongside Warrington at the lower end of the Super League table, Salford’s attacking stats are among the best in the competition.
Producing the kind of rugby league that saw Wakefield hammered 74-10 last time out consistently has proved difficult for Paul Rowley’s side, who have already lost at The Halliwell Jones Stadium this year having been beaten 32-18 in April.
Matty Ashton acrobatically touches down in April's home win over Salford Red Devils. Picture by SWPix.com
That said, Powell is expecting a “high-risk” game from the visitors on Sunday.
“They are going to challenge us and we’re going to need to be good again defensively,” he said.
“They’re one of those teams who, on their day, are exceptionally good from an attacking perspective.
“They play a high-risk kind of game, they move the ball a lot and they really challenge you.
“They’ve looked at it in terms of thinking where their strengths are and that is speed on the edges.
“The pack is working really hard but they’re playing well through their half-backs, who are both kicking exceptionally well.
“Marc Sneyd is well known for how he kicks the ball and they are tricky with their short kicking game.”
Salford ran 74 points past Wakefield in their last outing on Sunday. Picture by SWPix.com
In terms of recovery, Powell’s men have had an extra two days to prepare for the game having played 48 hours before Salford in Round 16.
After a bruising battle with Hull FC, the head coach says they have needed every bit of that extra time as they aim to take forward the positives they gained.
“The lads were pretty sore on Monday – it was a very physical game and particularly defensively, we were much improved,” he said.
“They throw a fair bit at you in terms of the big fellas – that’s the real challenge against Hull – although they lost Luke Gale which hampered them with the ball.
“We had to win that game regardless of how we won it, and we managed to do that.
“I thought we defended with a real steel about us, which is something we want to carry forward.”
Daryl Powell wants his side to take the pleasing defensive aspects of Friday's win over Hull FC forward. Picture by Mike Boden
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here