According to the bookmakers, the Rugby League press and everybody else Salford might as well throw the towel in. With odds of 1-250 on Hull Kingston Rovers we’re the overwhelming favourites to hammer the Red Devils out of sight. I don’t think I’ve ever seen odds like that in a two horse race and I was praying that Paul Rowley’s side could dig in and make a real fist of things.

It’s difficult being a Salford supporter at the moment. People like to pat you on the head and say well done you tried your best. It’s been like men against boys most matches so far. With the future looking so uncertain the players and supporters need some hope to cling on to.

Rowley again had to make changes with Jayden Nikorima moving to fullback in the absence of Ryan Brierley. It saw another new halfback pairing in Joe Shorrocks and Kai Morgan. Ethan Ryan returned from injury on the wing with Tiaki Chan back in the pack. Jack Ormondroyd made his hundredth career appearance at prop and youngster Harvey Makin had a huge responsibility at loose forward.

The Robins had Mikey Lewis and Tyrone May as their formidable halfback pairing. Jez Litten who’s in the form of his career started at hooker with Dean Hadley partnering James Batchelor in the back row. Former Salford favourite and Geordie lad Sam Luckley who scored a famous try on this ground for the Red Devils a few seasons ago was on the bench.

The weather was a bit cooler than recent days but lovely blue skies above Newcastle made it perfect playing conditions for Rugby League. The Salford supporters were in fine voice prior to kick off. Our team has taken punishment from all angles so far this season. It can be a very lonely place when your down near the bottom of the barrel. 

Rovers were off to a flying start powering through Salford. Batchelor went over but Salford used their captains challenge to have it overturned.

It didn’t take long though and Dean Hadley charged over for the games first try.

The Red Devils began to grow in confidence and repelled Rovers attacks. Nikorima left the field for a HIA which stopped Salford’s progress at a time when they looked a threat.

At the Gallowgate end Sam Luckley hit a flat pass to crash over. Arthur Mourgue converted to double the Robins lead 0-12. Rovers pack continued to punch holes in the Devils defence with the size difference very visible. Another route one try this time Peta Hiku had too much strength. Try number four followed shortly after, a thrilling break through the middle was finished off by hooker Litten. Mourgue made it four from four with the conversions, 0-24 at the break.

Nikorima got Salford on the front foot with a superb forty-twenty kick. An enterprising set followed but Rovers defended stoutly. 

Nathan Connell came close with Salford’s best chance of the match but the pass didn’t quite stick. 

The Red Devils struggled to threaten when in possession but once again the heart and commitment they showed was commendable. Many of the players have little experience at this level of Rugby League and for substitute Toby Warren it was only his second Super League match.

Another Rovers break led to a try. Lewis broke and probably should of passed a bit earlier. Batchelor squeezed in at the corner.

Tries from Noah Booth, Jez Litten and two from Mourgue underlined the Robins complete dominance. They simply cut Salford to pieces. To add insult to injury Mourgue was faultless with the boot with nine from nine. The Frenchman was the jewel in the Rovers crown. A dazzling display at fullback in both attack and defence. 

Salford never gave in but lacked the quality and depth to trouble their opponents. Ethan Ryan on return from injury was very assured and safe under the high ball with Joe Shorrocks putting in a huge shift.

Rowley is desperate to get some players back and once again disruption in the build up to the match really took its toll with Ryan Brierley and Chris Hankinson pulling out late on due to injury. The Salford coach refused to be drawn into off the field matters in the after match press conference and quite rightly so. He praised the professionalism of his players and staff. With no game next weekend it seems the perfect time to get players healthy both physically and mentally.

Salford 0 Hull Kingston Rovers 54.

Paul Whiteside.

Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.