Salford Red Devils will be hoping to translate their valiant effort against Wigan Warriors when they face the Warrington Wolves at The AJ Bell stadium tonight.
Ian Watson’s men looked set to secure a historic win against this year’s favourites, however a last gasp try from Dom Manfredi denied Salford their first win at the DW Stadium.
Read: Warriors win brings Salford Red Devils woe
Now with home advantage, the Red Devils will be hoping to prove a point when they take on an unbeaten Wire.
The Wolves have made a superb start to the season, and after their away win at Headingley last week are now hotly tipped to go all the way in this year’s competition.
Meanwhile, Salford look to be a much better side already over last year’s team, with new signing Robert Lui already looking to be one of the deals of the year.
Fans still have until 3pm today to vote for Lui as Super League Player of the Month.
His two tries helped his side claim one of the standout results of the past month, a 44-10 demolition of St Helens.
The NRL export has been instrumental as a pivot for other backs such as Michael Dobson who is flourishing playing with his new found partner, whilst also picking up two tries in the St Helens game where he was world class.
Other players that have shone through this season include Gareth O’Brien, who has had to make a quick transition to full-back had a difficult start to life by the Manchester Ship Canal against Hull.
However, has matured quickly into his new role with a couple of impressive performances against Widnes and Wigan.
The visitors could have Stefan Ratchford return after missing the start of the season through injury.
The utility player is well known in the city having started his career at The Willows with the (former) Salford City Reds, and has gone on to become one of the league’s best players since leaving the club.
Ben Westwood will be a major miss for the visitors however as he was ruled out for a month with after having ankle surgery.
Team News
Salford Red Devils make one change to their side following their 20-16 defeat to Wigan Warriors last time out.
Head coach Ian Watson brings in Adam Walne on his return from injury to replace Olsi Krasniqi, while Gareth O’Brien could face his former club.
After beating Wakefield 34-16, Warrington coach Tony Smith makes two changes for the short trip to Salford.
Stefan Ratchford and Mitchell Dodds come into the squad to replace Daryl Clark and Kurt Gidley.
Salford (from): Carney, Dobson, Evalds, Flanagan, G Griffin, J Griffin, Johnson, Jones, Kopczak, Lannon, Lee, Lui, Murdoch-Masila, O’Brien, Sarsfield, Sa’u, Tomkins, A Walne, J Walne.
Warrington (from): Atkins, Cox, Currie, Dodds, Dwyer, Evans, Hill, Hughes, Jullien, King, Lineham, Penny, Philbin, Ratchford, Russell, Sandow, Sims, Westerman, Wheeler.
