Huddersfield Giants pointless as the Salford Red Devils galvanise in the Betfred Super League
- Super League Raw
- Mar 9
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 22
Salford Red Devils 23 - 10 Huddersfield Giants
In the intense contest at the bottom of the standings, the Salford Red Devils showcased remarkable togetherness, character, commitment, and pride—qualities that were notably absent in their opponents, the Huddersfield Giants. Despite facing injuries, the Giants fielded 17 players who should not have been overwhelmed during the first 40 minutes, a performance that is likely to raise significant concerns for Luke Robinson.
The Salford Red Devils evoke admiration beyond merely being inspiring and clinical. Their remarkable performance is particularly impressive considering the recent departures of key players such as Sneyd, Lafai, and Singleton, with Nene MacDonald also poised to leave. If there were any doubts regarding his capabilities, Paul Rowley has unequivocally demonstrated that he is a first-class coach. Many struggle to motivate seasoned professionals in established squads; however, Rowley has effectively united a newly assembled team to compete successfully in this fixture and those that lie ahead.
Let's relive tries and talking points:
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The Coaches Post Match Reaction
Paul Rowley
Luke Robinson
Social Media Reaction
Salford Red Devils
Jayden Nikorima brilliant once again - really coming out of Sneyd’s shadow. Showed real class tonight. Atkin never stopped- was everywhere, great try saving tackle too. Another solid game for Ryan too, very classy winger. - Anita Lewis
Great team ethos and lots of hard physical graft from all the Salford team and backroom staff to help with a hard and well earned victory after everyone has gone through lately cmon Salford red devils let's move on forward together with every game. Mark Caton
Great performance and a great win. Could have been by a much bigger margin with a bit more luck too ♥️👍🔥🏉 Tony Wade
Huddersfield Giants
Here's my reasoned thoughts for what it's worth.
Yes it's frustrating and disappointing, and yes I've been critical of certain players and performances but honestly, did we really expect anything this year?
We knew it was going to be tough, Robbo knew, the board knew, the players probably knew, so did anyone really have any high expectations?
For the last few years, I've seen and heard people say "give Robbo the job" "play the youngsters" I've seen and heard criticism that we don't give the young lads chances, that we don't give the likes of Robbo a chance.
Well now that's happened and yet it's still not good enough for lots of people, again, I'm often critical of performances, collectively and individually but I'm also wise enough to know that this group we have are limited as a squad and so my expectations are low.
Rogers, McGowan, Flanagan, Rush, Billington, Deakin even Jack Bibby and Darius Carter have all been involved with the first team at the back end of last year and this year under Robbo. Wilson, Hewitt, English, have turned into good, solid super league pros, some of it is down to merit some of it due to needs but these are the lads that people wanted to be given a go, now they're given a go, should we, as a collective not be supportive of them?
I get that everyone is entitled to an opinion and everyone is entitled to be a supporter or a fan in different ways but in terms of players and coaches, we have got what we wanted so isn't now the time to back them?
As I say, I'm disappointed with results and performances but I can also see that this squad doesn't lack effort despite the 0/5 or 1/6 if you like.
I just feel like there is too much expectations on a young coach and players learning their trade and doing it tough, which, let's be totally honest, was expected this season.
As I say, my thoughts, I'm not expecting anyone at all to agree with me as for most it's about winning, and when that doesn't happen then there's nothing but disappointment, unhappiness and anger, but I see a bigger picture 🙏🏼 Martin Eastwood
I said before a kick was made that the Giants will be lucky to win 4 games all season. I feel for Robbo as he’s been hung out to dry. The recruitment has been terrible and the squad as a whole is no where near good enough. This has been happening for years and I can’t see anything changing for the foreseeable future. I’ve totally lost interest tbh as so many other fans have. The rugby has been awful for years (apart from the odd game) We are stuck in a rut!! Jonny Rogers
Why on earth did they not play George Flanagan! 😔😔Emma Minchella
Even with our injuries... Salford under special measures with a reduced cap, no Sneyd, Lafai, Mcdonald and Singleton. Absolutely out-enthused us, long season ahead. Drew E-Homden
The Final Word
The Salford Red Devils are currently navigating exceptionally challenging circumstances, reflecting the character of the players who don the jersey. Paul Rowley, the head coach, has been let down by the club, often finding himself in the position of spokesperson, deflecting repetitive questions from the media that ought to be directed toward higher management. Many teams in similar situations might succumb to external pressures, choosing to surrender, merely going through the motions, and ultimately finishing at the bottom in anticipation of a rebuild in the Championship in 2026. However, this team has demonstrated resilience, earning commendation from even the most discerning Rugby League fans for their commendable performances on the field.
In contrast, the Huddersfield Giants find themselves in a situation similar to that of Salford, not due to financial constraints but rather injuries. This necessitates a critical assessment of the Giants’ performance, as they faced not a top-six team—against whom they have performed admirably this season—but rather an opponent that is undoubtedly their equal, if not slightly inferior in terms of personnel. Based on their previous performances, the Giants' first-half showing suggested complacency and arrogance, which is quite astonishing. Luke must swiftly identify solutions, as upcoming matches against Hull KR and Catalan Dragons at home could exacerbate the situation at Huddersfield. The #CowbellArmy supporters are already expressing their frustration regarding the club's impending move to Halifax, so on field performances are vital at this time.
The Gladiators who took the Field
Salford Red Devils
28 Nathan Connell
2 Ethan Ryan
17 Esan Marsters
12 Kallum Watkins
5 Deon Cross
1 Ryan Brierley
6 Jayden Nikorima
10 Chris Hill
14 Chris Atkin
18 Jack Ormondroyd
15 Shane Wright
24 Harvey Wilson
13 Joe Shorrocks
Interchange
27 Kai Morgan
19 Justin Sangaré
20 Joe Bullock
30 Tiaki Chan
Try Scorer: Marsters (6), Wilson (21), Nikorima (28, 58)
Tale of the Boot: Brierley 3/4
Drop Goal: Brierley (74)
Hudderfield Giants
26 Niall Evalds (D)
2 Adam Swift
23 Taane Milne
3 Jake Bibby
5 Sam Halsall
4 Liam Sutcliffe
6 Tui Lolohea
18 Fenton Rogers
14 Ash Golding
15 Matty English
11 Jack Murchie
12 Sam Hewitt
21 Leroy Cudjoe
Interchange
19 Tom Deakin
8 Oliver Wilson
13 Harry Rushton
25 Jack Billington
Try Scorers: Swift (68), Lolohea (77)
Tale of the Boot: Sutcliffe 1/2
HOW IT WENT DOWN: 4-0, 10-0, 16-0; 22-0, 22-4, 23-4, 22-10
Man of the Match - The Super League Raw Trophy
3pts - Jayden Nikorima
2pts -Chris Atkin
1pt - Harvey Wilson
Half-time: 16-0
Referee: Tom Grant
Attendance: 3,764
Key Performance Indicators:
Most Tackles – Joe Shorrocks - 47
100% Tackle Efficiency of Note - Harvey Wilson & Ash Golding
Top Tackle Busts – Jayden Nikorima - 7
Most Carries – Jayden Nikorima - 26
Most Metres - Jayden Nikorima - 238
Most Hard Metres - Oliver Wilson - 103
Most Clean Breaks – Jayden Nikorima - 2
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