SL Preview: Catalan v Salford

Salford’s young squad makes the difficult trip to Catalan for their second Super League game of the season.

The City Reds are still awaiting the arrival or return to fitness of several of their new recruits, including Liam Foran, Vic Mauro and Martin Gleeson.

It means they name a youthful looking squad, with Niall Evalds in-line to make his Super League debut following an injury to Danny Williams.

Catalan are still without half-back Scott Dureau, who had an operation on an eye over the close season, while prop Lopini Paea is also recovering from surgery.

Centre or second-rower Kevin Larroyer has replaced William Barthau in the only change from last weekend’s squad for Laurent Frayssinous’ first home game in charge.

Catalan 19-man squad: Webb, Blanch, Pryce, Taia, Bosc, Elima, Henderson, Casty, Menzies, Anderson, Mounis, Pelissier, Larroyer, Millard, Pala, Bousquet, Fakir, Baitieri, Duport.

Salford 19-man squad: Murphy, Broughton, Gibson, R Williams, Evalds, McGoldrick, Fages, Jewitt, Godwin, McPherson, Ashurst, Dixon, Wild, Nero, Gledhill, Boyle, James, Neal, Owen.

Prediction: A hard game at the best of times, damage limitation the name of the game for Salford – home win.

Super League summary:

Catalan Dragons won 7
Salford won 6
Catalan Dragons highest score. 66-6 (H, 2007) (also widest margin)
Salford highest score. 34-30 (H, 2012) (Widest margin. 16-0, H, 2006)