After an agonising last minute drop-goal loss to Widnes Vikings, Salford Red Devils have only three home games of the new Super 8’s series to look forward to.
Starting at home to fellow Super League club Wakefield Wildcats, Salford will be hoping that that a quick start at home will be the start of a successful campaign to retain top flight status.
SalfordOnline.com spoke to assistant coach Ian Watson about the prospects for the playoff series.
“[The new format] is really exciting.
“Promotion and relegation gives us more to play for than we would normally have at this point in the season.
“The lads are all pumped up for it. We’ve a couple of knocks after the Vikings game, but it’s been deep recovery after Sunday and then back into it.”
Poor discipline on the field has cost the club this season with key players missing big matches and losing the opportunity to form strong partnerships.
“It’s something we’ve tightened up on, but it’s still an area we need to work on, and it’s a work in progress at the moment.
“I’m quite young and new to this, and I don’t think there’s a better person to have above you than the Australian national coach to help guide you, giving you advice.
“Tim Sheens doesn’t force anything on you, he lets you be your own man and make your own decisions and prod you into the right areas.
“He won the NRL with Wests Tigers and the World Cup with Australia, so who better to learn from?”
Salford will be looking to comfortably beat lower-league local rivals Leigh Centurions on 16 August, which surprisingly won’t be televised.
Given the way the clubs battled in their Challenge Cup game earlier this year, Salford will be looking for revenge at the AJ Bell.
Sheens told SalfordOnline.com: “I’ve seen footage of Leigh and the other Championship sides, but I’m leaving all of that to Ian. My job is to critique the club and look at the processes within.
“I’ve a lot of confidence in the coaching staff and the job they’re doing, and the playing staff and in the meantime, we’ve got to win the games and stave off relegation.”
Salford finish their playoffs away to Hull KR on 27 September, a match up they lost by the unlucky bounce of a ball on 1 July.
Salford’s die-hard fans will be hoping that lightning does not strike twice, and that their Super League future is assured long before that game kicks off.
Main image © SteveMcPix2015
