It was a much changed Salford side that arrived in Wigan for the final game of the regular season. Paul Rowley had brought players in from the reserve side as well as some familiar faces that had not played much at all this season. 

The outcomes for both clubs were pretty straight forward. A Wigan win would guarantee top spot and the League Leaders shield. A Salford victory would clinch fourth spot but if St.Helens beat Leigh and the Red Devils lost then it would be fourth for Saints and a home playoff. Salford would then finish fifth and travel to St.Helens in the playoffs. 

It was an enormous task for the seventeen players selected for the job and Matty Peet’s Wigan side had a very strong home record with just one defeat at the Brick Community stadium in 2024 and that came in July when Warrington pulled off a thumping 4-40 victory.

It had been a fine and sunny week in the Northwest and after another warm September day the sun had disappeared so the floodlights were brightly light prior to kick off. The home supporters were in expectant mood as the two sides warmed and despite some negativity towards Salford during the week this match provided a perfect chance for players on the fringes to stake a claim for a starting spot in the playoffs.

Rowley started with Chris Atkin at fullback and Cade Cust partnered Kai Morgan in the halves. Nathan Connell was on the wing with eight players making their first team debut.

Wigan had the usual suspects all available for selection with Jai Field, Bevan French and Liam Marshall all starting.

As the two sides came out the roar from the fantastic Salford support in the North stand was absolutely deafening. The atmosphere they create week after week is very special and you could see it lift the young players making their debuts. Seeing that reassurance in the stand must have been a comfort to those young lads playing on such a big stage for the first time. It’s nerve racking making your debut but to make it at Wigan on a night like that was really something they’ll always remember.

Wigan started at speed and a blistering pace with two early tries from Marshall and Field. Another break saw French go over before a Salford mistake was punished from a set scrum. The ball floated out and Zak Eckersley scored, 22-0.

The Red Devils were definitely up against but did get some field position after forcing a drop out. The timing of the pass was way off on occasions and Jake Wardle scooped up a loose ball to run sixty yards to score. Jamie Pye went charging towards the sticks but was held up just short as the visiting supporters gasped at the closeness of Salford’s best chance of the half.

Wigan were tending to over play as they tried to score on every play. Nathan Connell was targeted on the wing but his brave defence stood up well when tested. The Warriors went in leading 28-0 at the break.

Field scored straight after the restart before Harry Smith raced over but referee Chris Kendall brought it back for a forward pass. It was Thad far forward Kendall almost caught it! Adam Sidlow led the young Devils with tons of spirit and endeavour. Sidlow was making his 150th Super League appearance and his 91st for Salford. He forced a knock on from Liam Byrne and a big collision and the old stager got under Byrne’s skin with the two squaring up. 

Salford were outclassed in every department but the heart and commitment on show was heart warming to see. Patrick Mago came off the bench for Wigan and his physical size is very difficult to stop. The Red Devils some how forced him into touch with super defence. 

Another Salford attack went for a burton when Cade Cust’s poor pass went astray. Marshall went charging through like a bullet from a gun. Fantastic credit to Harvey Wilson who almost chased him down but got injured in the process and had to be helped off. Once again this highlight the sheer desire of the Salford side.

With twenty minutes remaining Wigan lead 40-0 but punished Salford in the final quarter with four quick fire tries. Kruise Leeming grabbed two before Field and French wrapped the night up. The Warriors won the League Leaders Shield with a 64-0 victory. Salford will now await the result of Leigh v St.Helens tonight to find out their fate for next week in the playoffs. 

The future is definitely bright for Salford youngsters and let’s hope these players continue to progress and develop under the watchful eyes of Paul Rowley and Kurt Haggerty. For the eight debutants Charlie Glover, Josh Wagstaffe, Jamie Pye, Jack Gatcliffe, Leunbou Bardyel-Wells, Charlie McCurrie, Ethan Fitzgerald and Billy Glover they can stand tall after doing their families, themselves and Salford Rugby League club proud. 

Wigan 64 Salford 0.

Paul Whiteside.

Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos and James Hoskison.