Salford City Reds’ Stephen Wild says the Challenge Cup clash against University of Gloucestershire All Golds is a great learning opportunity for the club’s youngsters.
The Reds are currently on a three-match losing streak and will welcome the break from Super League when they take on the semi-professional Championship One side on Sunday.
While Wild believes the match is a great chance to blood some younger players, he also feels a win will help restore confidence in the squad.
“It’s a chance to get a few of the young kids a game,” he said. “They can get some more experience against a less experienced than a Super League side.
“The more games they play, the better they will be for us.
“We can work on a few things, try and get a bit of confidence back up. Hopefully we can use this game and kick on after that.”
Alan Hunte – who will take charge of the team one last time before Brian Noble takes charge – is happy he can rest some first team players.
“Coming off the back of a hectic three weeks, it’s been nice to rest a few guys in training,” he said.
“I know that if they play, they can just turn up and do that because they’ve got the experience.
“The young guys are excited as well because one or two may get a debut so the enthusiasm’s been good.”
Wild is also relieved the coaching situation was resolved and believes former Bradford Bulls and Wigan Warriors coach Noble is the right man to take the club forward.
“It is good for the team to get a coach under our belt now and get a bit of security,” he added.
“Someone of his experience will be good to take the club forward. He’s been at a couple of clubs now where he’s started the building process.
“He will start putting down foundations for the future, but it’s going to be a tough ask for him to come in and start changing things right away.”
Image courtesy of Yentonian Carlos, via YouTube, with thanks
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