The third edition of Leeds Rhinos vs Salford Red Devils in 2025 moves to AMT Headingley in round 19 as the two clubs go head to head on Friday night with something to prove, kick off 8pm.

After securing their second win of the season last time out, the Red Devils look to catch Leeds off-guard after their defeat to St Helens in round 18. The Rhinos on the other hand will be hoping to get back to winning ways as they look to climb the league table.

Here's more on our opposition, Salford Red Devils:

2025: Late signs of life in a tough season for Red Devils

Salford’s season has been shaky from the get-go, with internal club finances disrupting their pre-season and the start of their 2025 campaign. Despite the turmoil, the Red Devils have continued to put up a fight throughout the year. This was most evident in their round 18 clash with Castleford Tigers, where they secured a narrow victory and, more importantly, rediscovered that winning feeling.

While they no longer boast all the star players who began the year with them, Salford still have experienced names in the squad, along with a few who could yet surprise the league.

Before the salary restriction was imposed in round one, fans caught a glimpse of what the 2025 Red Devils could have been. They dismantled Midlands Hurricanes 46–10 in their opening Challenge Cup fixture, with Deon Cross, Nene Macdonald and Jayden Nikorima each scoring twice. That match, however, proved to be a brief highlight as a week later, an understrength side more suited to a reserves game faced St Helens in round one of the league and suffered a crushing 82–0 defeat.

That loss set the tone for the following rounds, as Leeds, Hull KR and Castleford all claimed victories over Paul Rowley’s side, dropping Salford to the bottom of the league table. The Challenge Cup offered a temporary reprieve, with tries from Ryan Brierley, Esan Marsters, Nikorima and Ethan Ryan helping them defeat Bradford. They followed that up with their only early-season league win against Huddersfield.

But that winning feeling vanished quickly as the club suffered 13 consecutive league defeats - one of the worst runs in Super League history. An ever-changing squad, affected by loan signings and the departures of stars like Kallum Watkins, Marc Sneyd and Tim Lafai, failed to gain any consistency, exiting the Challenge Cup at the hands of Catalans and returning to the foot of the table as Wigan, Leeds, Leigh, Hull KR, Castleford, Wakefield, St Helens, Hull FC and Warrington all claimed two points from them.

However, their most recent win over Castleford suggests the season isn’t over just yet. Salford now enter the final nine games only two points behind the eleventh-placed Huddersfield Giants and although tough fixtures against Leeds, Hull KR and Hull FC await over the next three weeks, all eyes are on the round 26 clash with Huddersfield - a potential decider in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon.

Round Eighteen Review

Take a look at the highlights:

Key Names

Esan Marsters - He is an experienced player who has 86 NRL caps. In the last few games, the Cook Islands international has shown real star quality, including when he set up two of Salford's tries against Castleford last week. As the side's top ball carrier and tackle breaker, he could come up with some magic on Friday too and prove a handful for the Rhinos to handle.

Jonny Vaughan - The young back rower is on loan from St Helens and has shown great promise in the twelve games he's featured in in 2025. Out of the loan players brought in to bolster the Red Devils' numbers, he has played the most in the outside backs and recorded two tries in games against Catalans and Wakefield. He could cause the Leeds boys some issues on the edge.

Declan Murphy - Made his debut last week after featuring for the club's Reserves so far this year. A rugby sevens player with Saracens, he shocked fans with an impressive performance off the bench against the Tigers and will be one to watch again at AMT Headingley this week.

Last time out

Tickets and more information

Match tickets start at £25 for adults, £20 for concessions and £5 for juniors and are available online at tickets.therhinos.co.uk or call the ticket office on 0371 423 1315. 

Tickets are also available to purchase from Leeds Rhinos Ticket Office at AMT Headingley Stadium but check opening times before travelling.