Salford and Hull KR battle to remain unbeaten in 2023

Salford Red Devils host Hull KR on Thursday night in what should be a great game between two high spirited sides.

Both clubs tasted victory in round one, and will be looking to push on and extend their good start to the season.

Salford defeated their local rivals Leigh last weekend in very tough conditions. On a difficult occasion, the Red Devils rose up to eke out a 20.10 victory, after falling behind mid-way through the first half.

The Leopards had a big following at their home ground that were watching the clubs first game back in the Super League. Furthermore, Salford were handling a fair few injuries, thinning their squad to the limit.

Hull KR played their season opener in-front of a home crowed at Craven Park, and remarkably, they beat Wigan Warriors in a superb game of Rugby League. With the most respect to Hull, it wasn’t a match that many people would’ve given them a chance in, due to Wigan’s quality.

The first games of the season are known for throwing up strange results, but it would be unfair on Hull to assume that the Wigan victory was one. They deserved to win the match after putting in an outstanding performance. It may well be that they are fighting at the top end of the league come the end of the season.

Thursday is a huge game and opportunity for both teams to show they mean business in 2023. Winning the first two matches of the season goes a long way to having a good year, and would certainly make a statement for both these two clubs.

This week’s bout will be the first of three in the league this season. They will be mouth-watering ties for the Robins as they won both of the two meetings between the two clubs in 2022.

As for the team news, Salford coach Paul Rowley has made just one change to his 21-man squad. Adam Sidlow drops out, making way for star winger Joe Burgess who returns from injury, whilst also fresh off the back of signing a new deal, keeping him at the club till the end of 2025.

Hull KR have made several changes to their squad due to some injury concerns. The Robins will be without key players such as; Lachlan Coote, Ryan Hall, Rhys Kennedy and Matty Storton, opening up opportunities in the 21 for: Jimmy Keinhorst, Sam Wood, Luis Johnson and Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e. Nevertheless, the forced changes will have given coach Willie Peters quite the head ache.

The match will be live on Sky Sports Arena from 19:30, kicking off at 20:00.

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