Salford Red Devils v Huddersfield verdict as Giants dealt injury blow and suffer 5th defeat

[josie andrews]

Huddersfield Giants travelled to face Salford Red Devils in Round Five of Super League and here’s our verdict on how it all unfolded.

In the battle between Super League’s two winless sides, Salford came out on top as they won 23-10 in a fairly controlled performance that will see plenty of questions asked about the Giants. Jayden Nikorima stepped up to the mark in Marc Sneyd’s absence with the Red Devils playing what could be described as ‘classic’ Salford rugby.

For Huddersfield, it’s a concerning result and making matters worse is the fact that they never looked like competing at all, whereas they had previously been very competitive in each and every game.

In terms of team news, the visitors were boosted by the fact that new loanee Niall Evalds was able to bed straight in at full-back, something that proved timely given Jacob Gagai was still under the ‘return to play’ protocols after failing a HIA in Round Four.

Meanwhile, Salford had to reshuffle after Marc Sneyd’s exit with Paul Rowley moving players around like chess pieces in order to field a full complement of 17 players as the Red Devils looked to get their first Super League win of the season.

Here’s our verdict on the game.

Salford Red Devils swipe aside Huddersfield Giants

Whilst the team sheet suggested that Ryan Brierley would be in the halves, the reality actually was that Joe Shorrocks shifted to hooker with Chris Atkin moving into the halves, allowing young Nathan Connell to play on the left edge, however, it was Salford’s right edge that opened the scoring as Esan Marsters got over Tui Lolohea to make it 4-0 early on.

Huddersfield offered plenty over the next ten minutes but couldn’t break the Salford line before then being punished after a clever Chris Hill offload to the well-ran line of Harvey Wilson saw the Red Devils add a second try on the 20-minute mark.

Salford then looked to be under the cosh immediately after scoring when Deon Cross’ knock-on gave Huddersfield good territory but their defence stood strong and they then immediately punished Huddersfield as Ethan Ryan broke free before putting one on a plate for Jayden Nikorima, the man who had started the attack.

Huddersfield’s stuttering attack continued and they were perhaps lucky to only be trailing 16-0 at the break, the first time they have been trailing at the half in Super League this season. Another blow for them was that debutant Niall Evalds didn’t return in the second half for precautionary reasons due to a foot injury.

The Giants did show more go-forward after the break but spurned a chance on the left edge before Chris Atkin held up Sam Halsall after a brilliant defensive effort. The misery got worse for Huddersfield when Jayden Nikorima scored his second, breaking free and then easing past the full-back to make it 22-0 on the hour mark.

Adam Swift and Tui Lolohea both scored in the final 15 minutes but it was too little too late. Adding insult to injury was Ryan Brierley’s late drop goal which saw the scoreline end 23-10.

Good day for

Paul Rowley finally has something to celebrate and what made the win more impressive was the fact that you felt like you were watching same old Salford. They were expansive, fast-paced and tough to beat defensively meaning that they were able to punish Huddersfield’s stuttering attack. No Marc Sneyd, no problem, let’s just hope that those financial problems are resolved so we can see this type of performance more often.

Bad day for

Despite scoring a consolation try, Tui Lolohea had a game to forget with the Giants’ playmaker exposed defensively for each try whilst he also struggled going forward. In the second-half, he shifted to full-back and was skinned for Jayden Nikorima’s second to make matters worse. In his defence, he’s having to play as part of a makeshift spine that, unless sorted, will will keep costing Huddersfield games.

Star man

It’s tough to pick from the Salford players but Harvey Wilson looked a standout, particularly in his early spell. The young forward signed from Wigan midway through last season and he’s arguably one of very few who will benefit from the ongoing saga at the club as he’s earning game time. He took that with both hands as he put in an impressive showing alongside the likes of Chris Hill who deserves an honourable mention.

Teams

Salford Red Devils XIII: Nathan Connell, Ethan Ryan, Esan Marsters, Kallum Watkins (C), Deon Cross, Ryan Brierley, Jayden Nikorima, Jack Ormondroyd, Chris Atkin, Chris Hill, Shane Wright, Harvey Wilson, Joe Shorrocks.

Interchanges: Joe Bullock, Tiaki Chan, Justin Sangaré, Kai Morgan.

Huddersfield Giants XIII: Niall Evalds, Sam Halsall, Jake Bibby, Taane Milne, Adam Swift, Tui Lolohea, Liam Sutcliffe, Fenton Rogers, Ashton Golding, Matty English, Sam Hewitt, Jack Murchie, Leroy Cudjoe

Interchanges: Thomas Deakin, Harry Rushton, Oliver Wilson, Jack Billington

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