As far as end of season games go they are always emotional occasions but going into Friday morning the feeling seemed quite desolate. As supporters we all felt the club would head very much into the unknown on Saturday morning.

With another passionate march taking place in the build up to kick off the fanatical Salford supporters showed how much this very special club means to them. With over 150 years behind us what we’ve all been through in 2025 felt like complete sacrilege. A lack of respect, integrity and honesty from the people leading the club has cast a massive shadow.

The silent leadership group were once again in attendance for the match and this doesn’t sit right at all. The whole atmosphere has become toxic where they are concerned.

After the warm up the Salford players left the pitch to a roar of excitement and anticipation. With nothing to play for but pride over the last few months this group of players have shown nothing but sheer determination to get this messy job done.

Neil Tchamambe missed out after returning to Wakefield and Dan Russell was also unavailable. Jack Darbyshire moved to the wing and Loghan Lewis returned at prop after suspension last week. Tiaki Chan started in the second row with Nene Macdonald on the bench.

Trinity were already confirmed in the top six Playoffs after Hull FC were beaten at home to Catalans the previous night.

Daryl Powell had Jake Trueman and Mason Lino in the halves. Former Salford players Liam Hood at hooker and Josh Griffin on the bench respectively. 

The Red Devils started the match on the front foot and had Trinity backpedaling in the early stages. The wave of emotion from the stands seemed to transpire across the pitch to the players. 

Five minutes in and Esan Marsters who was back playing at centre got the games first try and Rowan Milnes converted, 6-0.

Salford seemed to be playing with no fear at all promoting the ball at every opportunity. This brand of care free rugby caught Trinity by surprise and when Jack Walker burst the line Nathan Connell backed up superbly to double the lead.

Two disappointing tries conceded from close range got Wakefield back on level terms. Substitute Atoni powered over before Hood grabbed a soft one going over from dummy half. 

Salford were running out of steam, mistakes crept in and as Trinity speeded the ruck up they took control of the match. 

Flying winger Tom Johnstone scored right on the hooter to give the visitors a 12-18 lead at the break. 

The Red Devils struggled to cope with the physical size of their opponents in the second half. Like last week at Huddersfield, they were starved of possession and territory. Six second half tries from the visitors including an impressive hat-trick from centre Cameron Scott pushed Trinity into a 12-52 lead. 

The Salford supporters remained patient and got their reward six minutes from time when a slick move on the right edge caught Wakefield off guard. The Devils kept the ball alive with some immaculate handling before fullback Walker dived over. Supporters spilled onto the pitch in scenes of very raw emotion. The match paused for a few minutes while referee Jack Smith regained some kind of order.

As the full time hooter sounded the supporters were back on the pitch again. The Trinity followers in the North stand had been very sporting towards Salford all night singing songs of incredible encouragement as the whole of the Rugby League community can see the desperate situation the Devils have been placed in. 

Salford RLFC now needs action to be taken to pull the club away from the very people who are threatening to destroy the very fabric of our proud club. A lot of work needs to be done to carry our journey on in 2026. I firmly believe we can get through this horrible mess and see much brighter days in the future.

God willing we will be back in action somewhere in February. 

Salford 16 Wakefield Trinity 52.

Paul Whiteside.

Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.