Salford Red Devils will hope to put a disappointing 2015 behind them when they kickstart their Super League XXI campaign against Hull FC at the KC Stadium tonight.
The cash-rich outfit had a dreadful 2015 that saw the local club almost relegated from rugby league’s top tier, after being forced to qualify for their place in this year’s competition.
For the third season in a row there has been a major inquest at Salford; looking at the disappointment of last year’s season and another spate of high-profile signings and departures that has come to signify the Koukash era.
Most notable and recent is the signing of former St Helens forward Josh Jones, the former England under-16 international joined the Red Devils after a difficult spell in Rugby Union, and after an impressive pre-season, looks set to be a key player for Ian Watson.
Meanwhile, The Airlie Birds had an indifferent 2015 campaign; despite getting through to the Super 8 stage their play-off push staggered to a halt after five consecutive defeats to round off last season.
In terms of team news; Hull FC coach Lee Radford has named all six of his pre-season signings in the squad for their first game of the new Super League campaign.
Skipper Gareth Ellis (achilles) misses out, with hooker Danny Houghton captaining the team in his absence.
Salford could field nine debutants, including Josh Jones, Robert Lui and Justin Carney, after director of rugby Tim Sheens’ winter squad revamp.
Ian Watson could also give academy star Ryan Lannon the nod for tonight’s game as he is named in the 19-man squad.
The forward made a handful of starts towards the end of last year, however a strong pre-season for the youngster means we could see a lot more of him this year.
Tickets are still available until 3pm today. Call 0161 786 1570.
Hull FC (from): Bowden, Fonua, Green, Houghton, Logan, Manu, Minichiello, Paleaaesina, Pritchard, Pryce, Shaul, Sneyd, Talanoa, Taylor, Thompson, Tuimavave, Washbrook, Watts, Yeaman.
Salford (from): Carney, Dobson, Evalds, Flanagan, G Griffin, J Griffin, Jones, Joseph, Kopczak, Krasniqi, Lannon, Lee, Lui, Murdoch-Masila, O’Brien, Sarsfield, Sa’u, Tomkins, Walne.
