More green shoots for Salford Red Devils

Salford Red Devils 26 - 22 Castleford Tigers

Salford earned only their second Super League win of the season with a gutsy comeback against Castleford

Author | Josh T

After weeks of upheaval, including the departure of 11 senior players amid financial uncertainty and takeover talks, Paul Rowley’s side showed resilience and quality to end a 13-match losing run. The result was made all the sweeter given Castleford had already beaten Salford twice this season.

The Red Devils ran in five tries (their highest total of the campaign) through Ethan Ryan, Harvey Wilson, Joe Mellor, Esan Marsters and Chris Hankinson. It was a much-needed boost for a side that has battled adversity on and off the field in recent weeks.

Castleford, without a head coach following Danny McGuire’s dismissal on Monday, were led by director of rugby Chris Chester on an interim basis. They responded with tries from Daejarn Asi, who scored twice, along with efforts from Josh Simm and George Lawler, but it was not enough to stop their own slump continuing with a fourth straight defeat.

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Salford’s victory came at a cost, with a number of injury concerns. Jayden Nikorima went off with a wrist issue, while Marsters suffered a dislocated shoulder while scoring the key try that put Salford back in front. Loghan Lewis and Chris Hill also required head injury assessments, adding to an already stretched squad.

A closer look at what happened and the potential impact of this result

Despite the disruption, Salford have displayed and showed some serious renewed spirit in recent weeks. Rowley had spoken of “green shoots” following a narrow loss to Warrington, and those signs came to life. The late recall of half-back Danny Richardson by Hull KR forced more changes, but the team responded with character.

Salford made a strong start, with winger Ryan opening the scoring inside 10 minutes. Castleford replied through Simm and then Asi, who sliced through following a scrum to give the visitors a 10-4 lead.

Wilson then made a major impact at both ends of the pitch. First, he denied Jeremiah Simbiken a certain try by forcing a knock-on over the line, then powered over himself to level the game.

That lifted Salford, and they began to rediscover the attacking spark that served them so well last year. Marsters burst through and sent Hankinson over to give Salford a 16-10 lead at the break.

Two early penalties in the second half put the pressure back on Salford, and Asi capitalised with his second try to level it at 16-16.

But this time, Salford refused to fade. Ormondroyd made a superb break to set up Marsters, who crossed despite dislocating his shoulder in the process. Then new loan signing Olly Russell, brought in from Wakefield Trinity during the week, kicked smartly through for Hankinson’s second try.

Lawler’s late effort for Castleford added tension, but Salford held firm to see out a crucial win, prompting celebrations from the home supporters after a long and testing spell.