Salford v Hull KR: Team news
Salford and Hull KR go head-to-head on Friday in a crucial relegation battle.
By Andy Clarke
Last Updated: 03/08/07 6:31am
Salford City Reds v Hull KR
The Willows
Friday August 3, KO 8pm
Super League's bottom two clubs go head-to-head on Friday as Salford take on Hull KR at the Willows.
Salford, who prop up the table, suffered a heavy defeat to Hull in their last outing and skipper Malcolm Alker knows they require a significant improvement.
"We're confident that we can come out all guns blazing on Friday and take the crucial two points, but are very much aware that we have to raise the level of our performances several notches over the match at Hull last Sunday," Alker said.
"The lads are working hard to make sure we reach the heights of the Bradford performance two weeks ago and can't wait to get out there and put the last game behind us."
Rovers are a point clear of the Reds, but they have suffered a major setback after losing two players to suspension.
Full-back Ben Cockayne and second-rower Iain Morrison both miss the match after being punished for high tackles in the 60-20 defeat to Warrington.
Second-rower Mark O'Neill described the match as a 'Grand Final' and said motivation would not be a problem.
"The Salford game is an exciting game and I guess it's like a Grand Final for both teams" O'Neill told the Hull Daily Mail.
"It's going to be very easy for the boys to get up for this game and we are all looking forward to getting some credibility back after the Warrington game.
"Motivation is going to be easy. If you can't get up for this game then you're going to struggle."
Salford squad: Wilshere, Hodgson, McGuinness, Moule, Littler, Dorn, Robinson, Coley, Alker, Korkidas, Wainwright, Saxton, Finnigan, Highton, Viane, Haggerty, Brocklehurst, Gower, Barnett, Nash.
Hull Kingston Rovers squad: Hardman, Lennon, Goddard, Dyer, Bauer, Cooke, Webster, Aizue, Murrell, Vella, Chester, O'Neill, Gene, Ward, Tandy, Lovegrove, Fisher, Gannon, Tangata-Toa, Ford.