Ian Watson: We are going there to win

Salford Red Devils head coach Ian Watson has expressed his sides desire to go to Headingley Stadium and win against the 2017 Betfred Super League Champions.

The Red Devils have so far managed a 100% record in the Qualifiers and have no plans of losing that record on Friday against the Rhinos.

In order to protect their unbeaten run, there is another record they must overturn – Which is the fact that they have only managed to win twice at Headingley in the Super League era.

Watson said:

“We have spoken together, as a group, that our attitude must be to go there and get the win by attacking Leeds, backing this up with solid defence, and playing throughout with the utmost confidence.”

“We haven’t been short on victories over them at the AJ Bell Stadium particularly in the past couple of seasons, and although previous Salford teams might have found it hard-going, when they have travelled over there we now have players in our ranks who have won thee with other teams and know exactly how it is done”

Salford will be without Luke Burgess and star signing Jackson Hastings for the fixture, due to their red cards in the clash against Toronto.

On Jackson Hasting’s absence Watson said:

“We do have a number of options any of which will cover Jackson’s absence. Jack Littlejohn has timed his recovery from injury to perfection and he held that ole for the majority of the season prior to his injury.

“Josh Woods has filled in at halfback on occasions over recent weeks. I’d have confidence in either of those two to step up and do a good job for us”

Salford Red Devils v Leeds Rhinos will kick off at Headingley Stadium at 19:45