Marc Sneyd kicks Salford to victory at Castleford
Marc Sneyd produced a man-of-the-match performance on his return to Salford to help give Paul Rowley a winning start as head coach.
The former Hull scrum-half, who helped take the Tigers to Wembley in his solitary season at the Jungle in 2014, kicked seven goals from as many attempts in a 26-16 victory over his old club Castleford.
With both sides scoring three tries, Sneyd’s contribution was invaluable as the Red Devils got their Super League campaign off to an impressive start. The win ensured a disappointing night for his old Hull boss Lee Radford, the new Castleford coach.
King Vuniyayawa and Deon Cross, who were among seven debutants for new-look Salford, both scored tries, along with last season’s top scorer in Super League, Ken Sio.
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Castleford went into the game with high hopes after handing debuts to Bureta Faraimo, Jake Mamo, Mahe Fonua, Kenny Edwards, George Lawler and Alex Sutcliffe. While there was a homecoming for Joe Westerman more than 11 years since his last appearance.
Red Devils: Marc Sneyd backs reborn Salford to step up
But it was a disjointed performance from the Tigers despite making the better star. Ex-Salford forward George Griffin opening the scoring in the 18th minute after winning the race to skipper Paul McShane’s grubber kick to the line.
Danny Richardson added the conversion but Salford always looked the more threatening team.
Winger Joe Burgess came up with the first of two clean breaks from deep inside his own half to create the position from which centre Tim Lafai, one of the Red Devils debutants, got Sio over for an equalising score.
Two score on debut for Salford
The Tigers briefly regained the lead after 29 minutes. Fonua put his winger Derrell Olpherts over for their second try. However, the visitors finished the first half well on top with two tries in quick succession.
Vuniyayawa forced his way over from close range. Cross then finished off a length-of-the-field move sparked by Burgess’ catch from the kick-off.
With Sneyd converting all three tries, in addition to landing an early penalty goal, the Red Devils were good value for their 20-10 interval lead.
Castleford were down to 12 men at that time with winger Faraimo in the sin bin for foul play. But they managed to score their third try while under-strength, Olpherts using his power to force his way over for his second of the match.
Richardson’s touchline conversion cut Salford’s lead to four points. However, it was as good as it got for Radford’s misfiring team.
Second rower Shane Wright was denied a try on his Super League debut when he was turned on his back over the line but the ever-accurate Sneyd kept the scoreboard ticking over with three further penalties to strengthen their grip on the game.
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