The long running feud between the owners and the whole Salford RLFC community felt almost like a bitter drawn out divorce. No winners but a complete rebuild needed. Another week of very negative and scandalous publicity in the national press left a very dark cloud hanging above the ownership group. That said the players carried on smiling in adversity and had prepared well as ever for the trip to West Yorkshire for their penultimate match of the season.

The Giants have had another poor season in 2025 but to be fair to young coach Luke Robinson his side has been hampered by injuries and disruption. Robinson started with George Flanagan at fullback, Oliver Russell was the scrum half and Leroy Cudjoe started at prop on his final Giants home appearance before retirement.

Salford coach Paul Rowley started Jack Walker at fullback, Esan Marsters partnered Rowan Milnes in the halves. Nene Macdonald returned to the bench. 

It was a cool and grey day in Huddersfield with a real hint of autumn in the air. The Giants share their ground with football club Huddersfield Town but that said the pitch was in great condition, like a neatly rolled green carpet as the two sides lined up for kick off.

Once again Salford looked very well organised in defence in the early stages and after a successful captains challenge Justin Sangare powered over to score the opening try. 0-6.

Nathan Connell saved a certain try when Giants flying winger Adam Swift went hunting a try. Connell managed to palm an attacking kick dead. 

The home side enjoyed plenty of possession but were constantly frustrated by Salford’s tenacious in defence. Equal to this the Red Devils were very economical in possession. Milnes kicked very tactically to pin the Giants back in their own half whenever possible.

When the opportunity came to add a penalty goal Milnes had no hesitation and Salford led 0-8 with his successful conversion.

After frantically defending four sets of six Salford eventually cracked when the Giants grabbed a rather fortunate try through substitute Ashton Golding. Flanagan missed the conversion.

Once again the travelling Salford support roared their side off at the break with a rapturous applause. The visitors thoroughly deserved the 4-8 lead. 

The second half became a real tough slog for Rowley’s side. The constant defensive work was taking its toll as the Giants big pack trundled forward set after set. Salford soaked up the pressure but you could see players were tiring and out on their feet. The home supporters got increasingly frustrated with their sides lack of attacking ability but on the back of errors deep in their own half Salford handed the initiative back to the Giants.

With ten minutes remaining Swift showed his experience to out strength Connell and powered over to level the score at 8-8. Flanagan lined up the conversion and slotted his side into the lead for the first time in the match.

On the next set the Giants came marauding forward with their intentions set to finish the game. Gagai scored the try and with Flanagan’s conversion the home side led by eight points and now looked comfortable.

Tiaki Chan and Flanagan squared and swung a few punches. Referee Scott Mikalauskas showed common sense to send both to the sin bin. With only five minutes remaining neither would return to the pitch. 

The score line definitely flattered Huddersfield and as we know Rugby League can be a cruel game at times. The Giants made it three tries in the final ten minutes when they broke on the hooter with Rush charging over. Cudjoe kicked the conversion to delight the home crowd. 

I spoke to Paul Rowley after the match and he spoke highly of his players who had given their all in a very entertaining but tough game. When asked for a reassurance message to the supporters Rowley stated how important the club is to the local community and there are too many people who care about Salford for their not to be a club. These are words I think we can all cling on to with hope  for what’s to come in the months ahead.

Huddersfield 22 Salford 8.

Paul Whiteside.

Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.