Hull and there supporters were glad to see the back of 2018. A dismal run through the Super Eight playoffs and a long losing sequence saw a season of underachievement. So far in 2019 the Airlie Birds have shown signs of improvement but continue to be plagued by inconsistency. So far there league record is a mirror image of Salford’s. Just one home victory against Leeds and three away wins at Wigan, London and Huddersfield. Andre Savelio has recently signed for Hull from Brisbane Broncos. Andre has a good reputation having impressed in Super League for Warrington and St. Helens. He will certainly boost there squad. Eagle eyed Salford supporters will remember Andre’s dad Lokeni playing at The Willows in the 90s and being a big part of the Salford Reds pack under then coach Andy Gregory.

Over the last decade Hull have been a regular top 6 side and with Challenge Cup glory at Wembley two season running in 2016 and 2017 the supporters on the west side of the city have had plenty to cheer.

Head coach Lee Radford is a local lad who played for the club for a large part of his career. Radford who turned 40 just recently is well respected amongst his peers, after 5 and a half years in charge out of all the coaches in the top flight only Daryl Powell at Castleford has served longer.

Hull Coach Lee Radford, one of the real characters of Super League.

Super League home record

Salford 9

Draws 0

Hull 11

1998 Salford 12 Hull 4

1999 Salford 38 Hull 18

2000 Salford 30 Hull 22

2000 Salford 33 Hull 24

2001 Salford 24 Hull 36

2002 Salford 10 Hull 24

2004 Salford 8 Hull 12

2005 Salford 12 Hull 22

2006 Salford 20 Hull 24

2007 Salford 18 Hull 35

2009 Salford 14 Hull 18

2010 Salford 27 Hull 20

2011 Salford 16 Hull 32

2012 Salford 24 Hull 22

2013 Salford 18 Hull 24

2014 Salford 35 Hull 22

2015 Salford 32 Hull 28

2016 Salford 20 Hull 28

2017 Salford 10 Hull 34

2018 Salford 24 Hull 8

They played for both

Over the years there’s been quite a few players to represent both clubs, here are a few  pre-Super League era as well.

Paul Fletcher, Richie Barnett, Brian Blacker, Jodie Broughton, Craig Coleman, Josh Griffin, Brad Hepi, Mark Johnson, Daniel Holdsworth, Alan Hunte, Stuart Howarth, Warren Jowitt, Tommy Lee, Ryan Mcgoldrick, Craig Murdock, Iafeta Paleaaesina, Tommy Saxton, Scott Taylor, Jordan Turner, Martin Gleeson and Marc Sneyd.

Paul Fletcher a real star for Salford in the 1980s, who also played for Hull.

A match to remember Sunday 19th April 1998.

Salford 12 Hull 4.

After the heroics of the 1997 season Salford coach Andy Gregory had made some exciting signings for the new season. London Broncos had finished 2nd place in the table in 97 and for Salford to sign there star scrum half Josh White, really showed a statement of intent.

A good cup run to the semi final had preceded the start of the league campaign. A close opening Super League defeat at The Willows 14-18 to St Helens was followed by a magnificent display at Wilderspool thumping Warrington 4-37. Hull were the new boys in the top flight after being promoted the previous season with Huddersfield.

Salford had already beaten Hull a month earlier in The Challenge Cup 41-10 but this match was a real close affair.

The late Steve Prescott scored Hull’s only points. Salford’s tries came from Steve Blakeley and the prolific Darren Rogers. Blakeley kicked both conversions. Despite the low score this match was filled with end to end action. Two well drilled defences keeping each other at bay.

After a real promising start to 1998 the season seemed to fizzle out. The heart break of the Semi Final defeat hung over the club like a huge black cloud.

The teams that day:

Salford

Broadbent, Mcavoy, Martin, Hassan, Rogers, Blakeley, White, Savelio, Edwards,

E Faimalo, J Faimalo, Bradbury, Hulme.

Subs, Lee, Southern, Forber, Platt.

Hull

Prescott, Smith, Hunte, Hallas, Johnson, Seru, Tomlinson, Okesene, Stephenson, Ireland, Booth, Campbell, Hepi.

Subs, Nolan, Leatham, Temu, Schultz.

Referee, Colin Morris

Attendance, 5227.

Sunday’s match.

After last weekends home hammering to Warrington 12-63, Hull will most certainly be looking for a reaction. There is no doubt about the talents within there squad. Albert Kelly, Mark Sneyd and Jake Connor provide the craft. Add to that a very physical pack with Scott Taylor, Josh Bowden and the all action veteran Mark Minichiello. There is plenty of size, power and pace in the back line too with Fetulia Talanoa, Carlos Tuimavave and former Salford favourite Josh Griffin. Leading the team is there own captain fantastic, hooker Danny Houghton. The 2016 Man of Steel is a tackling machine, a ferocious competitor and his dummy half ball distribution is amongst the best in the league.

With an inconsistent start to 2019 the pressure is on for Hull and Sunday’s match should be a fascinating encounter.

Salford are also struggling for form after there heroics in the South of France three defeats have followed. The Red Devil’s are competing though which is pleasing coach Ian Watson. Last weekend’s result at Wakefield saw another slow start from Salford who for long periods were chasing the game. You get the feeling that a good strong start will be vital this Sunday. Rugby league is a sport where teams thrive on confidence. Who knows where it goes and who knows where it comes from.

Both sides are currently on eight league points with the Easter fixtures just round the corner. To get to double figures before the bank holiday programme would be a huge boost for The Red Devil’s.

Former Salford scrum half Steve Nash will be in attendance at the match. A championship winner in his time At The Willows Steve celebrates his 70th birthday this Sunday. A Great Britain international who played 275 matches for Salford after making his debut against Dewsbury in August 1975.

Legendary Salford scrum half Steve Nash.

A Challenge Cup Winner with his home town club Featherstone Rovers In 1973 Steve was man of the match winning the Lance Todd Trophy. The previous year 1972 Steve was part of that legendary Great Britain side that lifted the World Cup. A true Rugby League Hero, happy birthday and best wishes.

Safe travels and enjoy the game everyone.

Paul Whiteside.