Salford v Catalans.

After last weekend’s results Catalans are now in danger of missing the playoffs. The Dragons last two matches are against Hull and London so this could possibly get them out of jail but this Saturday’s match against Salford could have a huge bearing on who gets in and who doesn’t. Salford have struggled for form recently. A very disappointing performance at the Magic Weekend was followed by a thrilling victory over Huddersfield before last weeks humbling at Hull Kingston Rovers. Improvement is definitely needed because the current form is not good enough to compete with the top teams. At this time of the season it’s about building momentum. If you don’t the season can tend to fizzle out. 

Off the field it was a historic week for Salford with the stadium deal finally being sorted and looking very positive for the future. The Stadium is a wonderful facility and now with the council it could be put to use so much more. A real hub of the community that is used seven days a week for all sorts of events no matter how big or small.

With the fantastic 75% off ticket offer the club have put on this week Saturday should be pretty special. Salford have won ten from twelve so far this season so to cap the regular season off with two points would be a brilliant achievement. 

I’ve said this many times but a week can be a long time in Rugby League and I still believe you are only as good as your last match. Victory over the Dragons would send us to Hull full of confidence. I thought Hull Kingston Rovers played like a real solid team last Friday. Everyone did their job, full of energy and enthusiasm. With that crowd behind them they are worth a ten point start. We could possibly get to go there again in the playoffs and I think we could beat them. Once you get in that top six it’s all on the day, cup tie stuff if you like. The difficult part is getting in there. I still think the race will go down to the last game on Friday 20th September. The last round all kicks off at 8pm that night and if you look at the fixtures a lot could be decided with Hull Kingston Rovers v Leeds, Leigh v St.Helens, Hull Fc v Catalans, Wigan v Salford, Warrington v London and Huddersfield v Castleford. 

Super League home record 

Salford 12

Draws 0

Catalans 7

2009 Salford 16 Catalans 18

2010 Salford 12 Catalans 24

2011 Salford 18 Catalans 44

2012 Salford 34 Catalans 30

2013 Salford 16 Catalans 12

2014 Salford 34 Catalans 22

2015 Salford 18 Catalans 14

2016 Salford 12 Catalans 26

2017 Salford 50 Catalans 12

2018 Salford 32 Catalans 16

2019 Salford 40 Catalans 14

2020 Salford 42 Catalans 24

2021 Salford 14 Catalans 42

2022 Salford 10 Catalans 36

2022 Salford 32 Catalans 6

2023 Salford 16 Catalans 14

2023 Salford 8 Catalans 19

They played for both.

Despite Catalan Dragons short existence there are a number of players who’ve played for both clubs including Jodie Broughton, Luke Burgess, Iain Thornley, David Berthezene, Todd Carney, Krisnan Inu, Michael Dobson, Theo Fages, Richie Myler and Gil Dudson.

A MATCH TO REMEMBER Sunday 17th July 2022

Salford 32 Catalans 6.

Salford’s Sunday Sizzler.

We thought it was warm last weekend in Newcastle but today in Salford the temperature felt like being in the Sahara desert. Just walking to the ground you could feel the heat, no breeze at all. As the players jogged out at 3pm for kick off it was well over thirty degrees.

Catalans are probably a little more acclimatised to these conditions playing over in Perpignan and they opened the scoring with a try from Joe Chan in the eighth minute. The Dragons dominated the possession and territory for the majority of the first half but at times Salford’s defence was outstanding. Last ditch tackles, organisation and a real doggedness.

The Red Devils are one of the most clinical teams in the league on attack when they go through the gears. A slick passing move and a tremendous finish in the corner from Ken Sio got Salford’s first try. Their didn’t look enough space to squeeze in but Sio made the space with some classy wing play.

Joe Burgess came up with a very important bit of defence to keep the Dragons out and five minutes before half time Salford took the lead.

Ryan Brierley measured a perfect kick for Sio to score his second. 10-6.

As the half time hooter sounded Marc Sneyd edged Salford six points clear with a penalty goal. In the stifling heat the kick for two points was the right option.

Danny Addy was dumped into touch on the first play of the second half to throw the chance to the Dragons to batter the Salford line. For one reason or another six consecutive sets of six followed and a set restart. Once again Salford’s defence was heroic. Every player worked their socks off to get where they needed to be and make the tackle count.

After weathering this eight minute storm without touching the ball the Red Devils were like a boxer on the ropes swinging and swaying dodging the punches. Then off the back foot they landed a huge blow of their out to knock the stuffing out of the frustrated French side. Hooker Andy Ackers found Brodie Croft with a text book pass. Croft did the rest to race over for a well worked try.

Leading 18-6 Salford looked comfortable. When the chance came for more points from a penalty Sneyd again managed it taking the two on offer 20-6.

Salford seemed to hit the boost button as the game approached the final ten minutes. Kallum Watkins found Sio with another wonderful pass and Sio completed his hat trick. Sneyd booted the conversion off the touch line to give the home side a twenty point lead which was fully deserved.

The final try was another one to savour, a neat kick through and great support play even at this late stage in the match. Jack Ormondroyd backed up with only Fouad Yaha to beat and he wasn’t going to be denied crashing through the Dragons winger with incredible determination.

Salford kept the Dragons scoreless for seventy two minutes in what was an incredible defensive effort. The Red Devils once again entertained with five special tries but defence wins matches and builds the platform for the performance. The Dragons are chasing another Grand Final appearance but today they were humbled by a Salford team with a spirit and togetherness that is absolutely priceless.

The teams that day;

Salford, Brierley, Sio, Cross, Lafai, Burgess, Croft, Sneyd, Ormondroyd, Ackers, Lannon, Watkins, Taylor, Gerrard.

Subs, Addy, Atkin, Luckley, Hellewell.

Catalans, Tomkins, Laguerre, Langi, Whare, Yaha, Pearce, Drinkwater, Goudemand, Da Costa, Bousquet, Whitley, Jullien, Seguier.

Subs, May, Le Cam, Chan, Kasiano.

Attendance, 2,607.

Referee, Ben Thaler.

Saturday’s match.

Last Saturday I watched Catalans match against Wigan with interest. The Dragons are a side with a huge pack and a very handy three quarter line. This season they seemed to have struggled to find that half back partnership to un lock defence’s on a regular basis. If you’d of asked me a week or so ago about this game I’d probably of said who ever loses this is out of the playoff race. Now I don’t think that’s the case. With all the contenders playing each other it’s so close and the picture could change dramatically again come tea time on Sunday. 

The Salford pack are going to be tested and need to stand toe to toe with the Dragons. It was great to see Jack Ormondroyd back in the team last week after a long injury lay off and hopefully Loghan Lewis will be fit to play. We missed Loghan last Friday. His strong running and ability to get us on the front foot with a quick play the ball is vital. 

Salford need to start quickly in this match and take the initiative. Last Friday we always seemed to be chasing the game. Our play wasn’t composed and quite a few times we got caught out of shape on the last tackle. The attack was very rushed and nothing really came off. 

The bookmakers have made Salford very slight favourites this week, the Dragons have a four point start. I’ve got a feeling this could be a very close match and maybe even a Sneyd drop goal might be the difference. It promises to be very exciting and I personally can’t wait for kick off. 

The action gets under way at 5:30pm.

Safe travels and enjoy the match.

Paul Whiteside. 

Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos and the Salford match day programme.