SL Preview: London v Salford (Sat)
Head coach Tony Rea has named Jamie Soward in his 19-man squad to face Salford City Reds this Saturday at The Twickenham Stoop.
Soward is set to board a flight to arrive in the UK on the morning of the match with Rea confirming he would probably be used from the bench.
Alongside Soward, the Broncos could field nine London players in the match day 17.
“They are coming in prepared and ready for it. It’s a great opportunity for our home fans to be able to see these kids come into the team and enjoy them.”
Included in the nine Londoners are Joel Wicks and Harry Little who made debuts last weekend with Rea saying:
“They will definitely hold their spot, they were terrific. That’s based on performance and not injuries; they’ve done a great job.
Rea could hand a debut to on loan Ryan Shaw, who joined the club from Swinton this week.
“It’s terrific to have Ryan in, he’s had one session with us but looks sharp and we’re really happy with him.
The Broncos are again without a number of first team players through injury while Mark Bryant misses the game through suspension. The forward picked up a suspension for a dangerous throw in the game against Wakefield Wildcats last weekend.
Speaking to club’s official website Salford head coach Brian Noble has been stressing the importance of adhering to the game plan, playing structures and systems.
Noble said, “Saturday’s match is going to be crucial, not only because of the league positions, but also because both sides will be going into the contest with confidence that they can win.
“Nevertheless, the eventual victors will, without any doubt whatsoever, be the team which performs the better on the day.”
London 19-man squad: Bishay, Colbon, Dixon, Dollapi, Dorn, Fairbank, Fisher, Grady, Krasniqi, Little, McMeeken, Melling, Robertson, Sarginson, Shaw, Soward, Woodburn Hall, Wheeldon, Wicks.
Salford 19-man squad: Broughton, Gibson, Gleeson, Gaskell, Williams, Ashurst, Dixon, Wild, Godwin, McPherson, James, Neal, Fages, Sneyd, McGoldrick, Griffin, Evalds, Walne, Jake Emmitt/Gareth Owen.
Prediction: Jamie Soward to have an immediate impact and steal London a tight win.
Stats:
Salford have won in three of their last four away visits to London, although the Broncos won last season’s encounter 40-28.
Super League summary:
Salford won 17
London Broncos won 17
1 draw
Salford highest score: 44-12 (H, 2012) (Widest margin: 34-0, H, 2006)
London Broncos highest score: 50-12 (A, 2001) (also widest margin)
