Salford Red Devils v Widnes Vikings: First Utility Super League preview
Last Updated: 30/05/15 8:13am
Salford take on Widnes in the opening game of the Super League Magic Weekend at St James’ Park on Saturday.
Fans will descend on Newcastle for a feast of rugby league action with all 12 Super League clubs in action in the north-east over two days.
After a good start to the season the Red Devils have lost their last six matches to tumble down to 11th in the table. However, coach Iestyn Harris will have been encouraged by his side’s performance against Warrington last time out.
Widnes, meanwhile, come into the game on the back of three straight wins including an impressive 38-24 victory over leaders Leeds.
Salford make one change to their 19-man squad as Josh Griffin returns from injury to replace the suspended Adam Walne.
It is an unchanged squad for the Vikings as Stuart Dickens keeps faith with the side that saw off Wakefield last weekend.
There will be a minute's silence before the game as a mark of respect to the late father of the Red Devils' Griffin brothers.
Darrell, Josh and George Griffin are all set to play together for the first time, four days after Martin Griffin died of a heart attack at the age of 58.
"The thoughts of all at the Red Devils are with their family this week," a Salford spokesman said. "We are incredibly proud that all three have put their hands up to play."
Salford Red Devils: Ben Jones-Bishop, Josh Griffin, Junior Sa'u, Greg Johnson, Adrian Morley, Harrison Hansen, Weller Hauraki, Theo Fages, Darrell Griffin, Scott Taylor, Jordan Walne, Mason Caton-Brown, Niall Evalds, Jay Walton, Liam Hood, George Griffin, Carl Forster, Cory Paterson, Josh Wood.
Widnes Vikings: Patrick Ah Van, Olivier Ashall, Kevin Brown, Chris Clarkson, Gil Dudson, Danny Galea, Alex Gerrard, Rhys Hanbury, Aaron Heremaia, Willie Isa, Phil Joseph, MacGraff Leuluai, Manase Manuokafoa, Stefan Marsh, Joe Mellor, Jack Owens, Cameron Phelps, Lloyd White, Matt Whitley.
Watch Salford v Widnes live on Sky Sports 1 at 2.30pm on Saturday.