Salford Red Devils v Wigan Warriors preseason friendly preview

Salford Red Devils host Wigan Warriors at the AJ Bell Stadium in a preseason friendly for their first taste of action in 2021. After one of the longest preseasons both sides are looking forward to being back out on the field.

Salford have a new coach for the 2021 season after former coach Ian Watson moved to Huddersfield Giants. Richard Marshall made the move from assistant coach at St Helens, to head coach at the Red Devils.

In his first game in charge, he will see a number of his side not take to the field. after picking up knocks in their opposed session against St Helens. Marshall admitted he will not be risking anyone who is nursing a knock. New signing Joe Burgess and Greg Burke will miss out with both also set to miss the opening round of the season.

Dec Patton, Elliot Kear and Oliver Roberts are three players who picked up injuries in the opposed session that won’t be risked. Captain Lee Mossop will also miss out due to carrying over a one match suspension from last season. New signing Harvey Levitt is looking forward to getting out on the field with his new side.

“Everyone is chomping at the bit to get out, it’s been a long preseason-probably the longest one a lot of us have had. It will be good to get a run out with the lads, and have a proper game and just get back into it. So hopefully we can get a good run out, to make sure we are into it”.

Wigan will have three absentees. Oliver Gildart is sidelined for up to two weeks with a groin issue. Jai Field is going to miss out with a back strain, and Liam Marshall is still recovering from a knee injury he sustained last season.

Wigan coach Adrian Lam is happy with his sides preparations so far and is looking forward to the weekend.

“The boys have been training great. We are really happy at the moment. Everyone is really excited for this weekend”.

“Some players are playing for an opportunity to impress, and stake a claim for a place in the first 17 for round one, and there is a group who just need to get their match sharpness back”.

The two sides will be looking to get their match sharpness back with round one of the Betfred Super League less than two weeks away. Salford will face new coach Richard Marshall’s old club, and reigning champions St Helens. With Adrian Lam’s side set to face Super League newcomers Leigh Centurions, with both games to be played at Headingley stadium.

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