Salford duo making good progress in recovery from injuries, says Inu

Dream Team members Tim Lafai and Ken Sio are making good progress in their road to recovery from their respective injuries, according to Salford assistant coach Krisnan Inu.

Samoa international centre Lafai hasn’t played in more than two months due to a hamstring injury, with his last game coming in their 20-16 defeat to Wigan on March 24.

Winger Sio, meanwhile, hasn’t featured since their 14-6 win over Castleford on April 13 after suffering an ankle injury whilst in training.

When asked about how the Samoan representatives are getting on with their respective recoveries, Inu replied: “They are doing alright, they should be ready in a week or so.

“We’re not too sure when they will obviously be on the field. Their recoveries are going to plan and the physios are happy with their progression.”

Both Lafai and Sio have been named in Paul Rowley’s 21-man squad ahead of Sunday’s game against Hull.

Inu also revealed that Australian forward Shane Wright has recently undergone surgery after sustaining an ankle/foot injury in their 26-12 defeat St Helens a fortnight ago.

Inu added: “I’m no physio or doctor so I wouldn’t know exactly the right terms to use but I think he’s had his surgery, so we’ll find out when he gets back, he can explain that to us so when I know, you’ll know.”

Krisnan Inu hails ‘awesome’ utility Chris Atkin

Earlier this week, utility back Chris Atkin has signed a new two-year deal with the Red Devils, which will see him remain with the club until at least the end of 2025.

The 30-year-old has scored 12 tries in 64 appearances for Salford since arriving from Hull KR ahead of the 2020 campaign.

Inu said Atkin’s contract extension was a big coup for the club, with his versatility proving invaluable.

Inu said: “Chris has been awesome since he’s come to the club.

“I was fortunate enough to play alongside him so to see him progress in the manner he has in to the top player he is, (is good).

“He is very versatile and has probably played every position in this team apart from front-row, so he has been awesome and has been a good signing for the club.

“He has taken strides in different positions and every position he’s played he’s been awesome in. You can’t really put a number on his back, he can play anywhere.”

Meanwhile, forward Andrew Dixon has joined Championship club Widnes on a two-week loan deal.

Inu added: “He’s been out with a few injuries and he’s obviously sitting on the sidelines waiting, so I think it’s more beneficial for him to be playing at a decent level which is why he is heading to Widnes.”

Salford welcome Hull FC to the AJ Bell Stadium in Round 13 of Super League on Sunday afternoon, 3pm kick-off.

Salford: Brierley, Sio, Watkins, Lafai, Burgess, Croft, Sneyd, Ormondroyd, Ackers, Vuniyayawa, Stone, Partington, Atkin, Addy, Dupree, Sidlow, Longstaff, Williams, Costello, Hellewell, Cross.

Hull: Hoy, Swift, Sutcliffe, McIntosh, Trueman, Clifford, Sao, Houghton, Satae, Lane, Fash, Lovodua, Cator, Scott, McNamara, Brown, Griffin, Barron, Taylor, Staveley, Dwyer.

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