Salford v Leeds.

If you read last week’s preview the day before the match at St.Helens then forgive me because it probably didn’t make much sense. I was expecting a full strength Salford side to topple the ten times Super League Championship winners in a blood and thunder match. What we witnessed was something completely different. I must say though it was heart warming to see the lads who took to the field compete as hard as they did. They certainly deserved all the adulation they got by the travelling supporters which included a lot of their families and friends. It was always going to be a massive struggle against a team with so much power and pace. The young Salford side was up against it before the match even kicked off with just three substitutes and no eighteenth man. I am just glad the players got through the match relatively unscathed with no major injuries. I bet their was some bruised and battered bodies on Sunday morning so hopefully the lads got some relaxing recovery time in.

Like a lot of supporters I don’t really know the in’s and outs of what’s going with the salary cap and measures the RFL have put us under. I spoke to Paul Rowley after the match and he was very frustrated by the whole situation and I think the players are feeling the same. I am not going to point the finger and lay the blame at anybody’s doorstep because that’s not my style. I just want the situation sorted as quickly as possible because it’s not fair on the loyal Salford supporters.

As I write this week’s preview we still don’t know what sort of squad will be named for this Saturday. Whatever team takes to the field on Saturday afternoon will have my full support and if the situation does rumble on we have no choice really but to get behind our club. 

At times like this social media can be a complete minefield of negativity. To be honest I shut myself away from it and just look forward the next match. Supporters of all the different clubs will have their own opinions and agendas but as my gran used to say to me ‘it’s san fairy Anne’! People these days tend to say things on various platforms without thinking and engaging their brains. I sometimes wish that modern life had a bit more patience and humility on show, that’s the way I try to be.

Leeds started their 2025 campaign with a defeat at home to newly promoted Wakefield Trinity. A lot is expected of the Rhinos this year after a disappointing season in 2024. The club has once again made some statement signings with Jake Connor being one to keep an eye on. Their is no doubt a fully fit and focused Connor can cause any team problems. It will be intriguing to see if Leeds coach Brad Arthur can get the best out of him.

Super League home record 

Salford 6

Draws 0

Leeds 23

1997 Salford 20 Leeds 33

1998 Salford 6 Leeds 40

1999 Salford 30 Leeds 38

2000 Salford 26 Leeds 34

2001 Salford 14 Leeds 19

2002 Salford 16 Leeds 48

2004 Salford 0 Leeds 44

2005 Salford 12 Leeds 30

2006 Salford 18 Leeds 24

2006 Salford 18 Leeds 19

2007 Salford 26 Leeds 30

2009 Salford 24 Leeds 30

2010 Salford 22 Leeds 31

2011 Salford 22 Leeds 30

2012 Salford 16 Leeds 56

2013 Salford 16 Leeds 42

2014 Salford 18 Leeds 22

2015 Salford 18 Leeds 28

2016 Salford 14 Leeds 10

2017 Salford 24 Leeds 50

2018 Salford 38 Leeds 22

2019 Salford 14 Leeds 46

2019 Salford 28 Leeds 16

2020 Salford 8 Leeds 22

2021 Salford 12 Leeds 38

2022 Salford 26 Leeds 12

2022 Salford 23 Leeds 8

2023 Salford 14 Leeds 16

2024 Salford 22 Leeds 16

They played for both.

Here are a few players to wear the red of Salford and the blue and amber of Leeds.

Luke Burgess, Joel Moon, Mark Brooke-Cowden, Andrew Dunemann, Damien Gibson, Ensene Famailo, Phil Ford, Ashley Gibson, Phil Hassan, Weller Hauraki, Ben Jones Bishop, Andy Kirk, Andy Gregory, Graham Holroyd, Francis Maloney, Robert Lui, Brodie Croft, Andy Ackers, Richie Myler, David Hulme and David Young.

A match to remember Wednesday 12th May 1999.

Salford 30 Leeds 38.

There was always something special about a game under the lights at The Willows. The smell of winter green and hot dogs on arrival always builded the excitement and anticipation. This game back in 1999 came at a time of struggle for Salford. Andy Gregory had been replaced as coach by Australian John Harvey and results and performances were disappointing.

The Rhinos were 6-16 up at the break before opening up a 6-38 lead in the second half. Then came a thrilling Salford fight back with star stand off Steve Blakeley at the hub of all good things the Reds did.

South African winger Mark Johnson who was a real flyer crossed for two excellent tries for the home side. Add to that tries from Craig Makin, Steve Blakeley and Hudson Smith Salford astonishingly got the score back to 30-38.

Looking back if the match had gone on another ten minutes who knows what might have been.

The line ups that night;

Salford,

Bobby Thompson, Scott Martin,Stuart Littler, Paul Carige, Mark Johnson, Steve Blakeley, Martin Crompton, Craig Makin, Malcolm Alker, Paul Southern, Hudson Smith, David Bradbury, Paul Highton.

Subs, Carl Briggs, Neil Baynes, Joe Faimalo, Ensene Faimalo.

Leeds,

St Hilaire, Livett, Golden, Godden, Cummins, Powell, Sheridan, McDermott, Newton, Ward, Morley, Farrell, Hay.

Subs, Harris, Sterling, Jones-Buchanan, Fleary.

Referee, Steve Presley

Attendance, 3,445.

Saturday’s match.

I am not sure where to start looking towards Saturday. On Wednesday evening various stories appeared online from the Rugby League journalists. Some sound hopeful and others a little despondent. We were told this week that The Happy Monday’s would be playing at the stadium which sounds exciting but I’d much rather see a competitive Salford team taking to the pitch at 3pm. 

We will have to see what unfolds over the next few days. 

Looking at our visitors Leeds it’s a big season for them in 2025. Their is always a lot of expectations at Headingley with a large fan base. The Rhinos have made some huge signings in recent seasons but haven’t quite found the recipe for consistency. 

A disappointing home loss to Wakefield Trinity on the opening weekend was certainly a wake up call but that said let’s not take anything away from Daryl Powell’s newly promoted side. Trinity roared to promotion last year in the Championship and have recruited wisely for there top flight return. I don’t think they will be pushovers this season and could be very strong on there home ground Belle Vue.

Whatever team runs out at 3pm on Saturday let’s remember one thing. They are representing our great club. The players are the innocent party in all this along with the loyal Salford supporters. They need our support more than ever now. Anyone can cheer a team along in the good times when things are going smoothly. It takes a special kind of loyalty to be there in the tough times as well. 

The action gets under way at 3pm.

Safe travels and enjoy the match.

Paul Whiteside. 

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