As we reached round twenty of the season the Super League table is as tight as a drum in the race for the top six. It now looks like eight teams are in contention but the order of the top teams seems to shuffle around every weekend. A victory for Salford would give them a six point cushion over Leeds but victory for the Rhinos would cut that gap to just two points. With the Magic Weekend just around the corner being held in the city of Leeds at Elland Road football stadium it was vital that the Red Devils kept up their excellent home form. Only Wigan have come away from Salford with victories in 2024.
After a week of very hot temperatures it was slightly cooler prior to kick off with a gentle breeze. Perfect conditions for fast flowing Rugby League and points a plenty were expected in this contest. Players were on show with points to prove, in particular Nene McDonald who was at Leeds last season, Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers returned to former club Salford. Ian Blease was back in his new role at the Rhinos and the scene was set for a fizzling afternoon of action.
Salford coach Paul Rowley named an unchanged seventeen for the second week running. The only difference to last Saturday’s match was Loghan Lewis swapping the bench to starting thirteen with Joe Bullock.
The Rhinos had Harry Newman and Ash Handley partnering each other in the three quarters. Croft started at stand off with Ackers at hooker. Rhyse Martin was in the back row with Cameron Smith at loose forward.
The pitch looked in immaculate condition as the two sides came out for kick off.
The match started at a ferocious pace but Salford were almost immediately on the back foot when Tim Lafai was sin binned for a high tackle. To be fair to the Red Devils centre it seemed more of a solid hit than a high tackle but after the video referee had intervened the yellow card came out.
The Rhinos made the extra man advantage count with a devastating spell. Matt Frawley went over for a try as the visitors stretched the Salford defence. Moments later a flowing move down the right edge saw Paul Momirovski send young winger Alfie Eghill over. Rhyse Martin tagged both conversions on, 0-12.
Martin was then sent to the sin bin for a tip tackle on Jayden Nikorima. Kallum Watkins put Nene Macdonald in but the referee Tom Grant blew for a forward pass.
Salford were desperately seeking some direct running to puncture the Leeds defence. The risking offload game wasn’t really working as passes went astray.
Loghan Lewis got Salford moving with his fearless attitude and captain Kallum Watkins crashed over for a try which Sneyd converted. 6-12.
Leeds hit back with a lovely move very reminiscent to one Salford used with Croft. Ackers linked up back on the inside for Croft to race to the line. With Martin still in the sin bin Lachie Miller attempted the conversation but couldn’t find the target.
Salford were trailing by ten points and needed a response. Sneyd came close but desperate defence kept him out. When a big play was needed Watkins provided it with another try from a short pass. The power and strength he possesses is quite sensational. Sneyd converted, 12-16.
Right on the hooter Sneyd lofted a kick for Macdonald to touch down. Try on field was given but the video referee over ruled for a double movement.
Watkins came mighty close to a hat trick just after the break in what was becoming a vintage performance against his former club. Sam Stone couldn’t take a pass that would of provided a certain try shortly after. Leeds we’re running out of ideas and the momentum of the game seemed to be changing.
Joe Mellor came off the bench and his nouse around the ruck worked wonders. Mellor linked with Nikorima to burst the Rhinos defence. The crowd roared as Mellor backed up and raced over for try one hundred and one of his career. Sneyd converted and Salford led for the first time in the match. 18-16.
The Rhinos panicked and a wild high tackle on Loghan Lewis gave Sneyd the opportunity to kick a penalty which he had no hesitation. 20-16.
Leeds were now chasing the game. They lacked composure and substitute James Bentley came up with another needless high tackle which saw him sin binned. Salford debated the next play but opted for the two points on offer. From just over the half way line Sneyd booted a fantastic conversion to give his side a significant six point advantage.
Leeds had to chase the game and when Sneyd hammered a forty twenty kick Rhinos winger Ash Handley was helpless to stop it. It seemed like the knock out punch was coming. Salford worked it to the posts and Sneyd went early in the tackle count to drop a goal but it wasn’t quite on target.
In the final minute Macdonald smashed the Leeds attack with a big tackle but he got sucked in and went a bit to aggressively for the referee’s liking. This gifted Leeds a penalty. Salford held their breath as the Rhinos had one last hurrah. A loose and desperate pass went sailing into touch before the final hooter sounded on what was a thrilling contest.
Salford’s determination to win at all costs really shone through in this match coming from behind and keeping the Rhinos scoreless in a fantastic second half effort. The scenes at full time were very special as the bond this group of players have with the supporters is so special. Another proud day for a rugby league club that continues to prove people wrong, doing their talking on the pitch.
Salford 22 Leeds 16.
Paul Whiteside.
Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.