Opposition Report - Salford Red Devils

Following last week's international break, Leeds Rhinos host Salford Red Devils this Friday night at Headingley as Rohan Smith's side look to get back to winning ways in the Betfred Super League, kick off 8pm.

Preview our opponents below:

2023 so far...

Despite a mixed start to the new campaign, three consecutive league wins before the international break helped Salford climb up to fifth in the league table and only four points behind the leaders Wigan.

After a successful 2022 saw the Red Devils reach the Super League semi-final stage, thanks to the efforts of Brodie Croft, Marc Sneyd and Ken Sio, Paul Rowley has built an exciting, young team for seasons to come.

Adding the likes of Oliver Partington to join Tyler Dupree, who made his England debut last weekend, Fijian international King Vuniyayawa and former Rhino Jack Ormondroyd, the Red Devils have power up front, but it is their exciting back combinations that wowed the crowds last year. Led by Croft and Sneyd, Sio, Tim Lafai and Deon Cross were all big performers in Salford colours last year, both Sio (four tries) and Cross (three tries) are in the club's top five try scorers this year.

Opening the new season with a 20-10 win over Leigh, the Red Devils struggled to find their footing with two wins from their next six (all of which were against top six rivals). Another win over Leigh sparked a winning streak during the month of April, in which Rowley's side dispatched Castleford and, more impressively, Catalans in a close encounter a fortnight ago at the Salford Stadium.

Next five fixtures

Round 12 vs St Helens (Totally Wicked Stadium, 1pm)

Round 13 vs Hull FC (AJ Bell Stadium, 3pm)

Magic Weekend vs Hull KR (St James' Park, 1:30pm)

Round 15 vs Castleford Tigers (Mend-A-Hose Jungle, 8pm)

Round 16 vs Wigan Warriors (AJ Bell Stadium, 3pm)

Tale of the tape

Individual stats

Tries: Ken Sio (Four tries)

Goals: Marc Sneyd (37 goals)

Tackles: Kallum Watkins (354 tackles)

Metres: Ken Sio (1021 metres)

Dummy half runs: Andy Ackers (70 runs from dummy half)

Team stats from Round 11 vs Catalans

• 183 carries
• 950 gained metres
• 47% possession
• 72% set completion rate
• 3 line breaks
• 312 tackles
• 11 errors

*All stats supplied by OPTA

Last Super League outing

Prior to the international break, Salford managed to edge out Catalans Dragons in a close 16-14 result on home soil. King Vuniyayawa and Joe Burgess were the try scorers on the day, but it was Marc Sneyd's four goals that proved crucial at full time.

Tickets on sale now

Leeds Rhinos return to Headingley in a double header of Rugby League action as the Rhinos Academy face Castleford Tigers before the Betfred Super League clash between the Rhinos and Red Devils. 

Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.therhinos.co.uk or by calling the Ticket Office on 0371 423 1315.

Remember if you book your ticket before midnight this Thursday you can save £3 on the matchday admission price.