Head coach Brian Noble is ignoring Bradford Bulls’ poor run of results and expects a tough game when they travel to Barton take on his Salford City Reds side.
Salford are coming off the back of two heavy defeats, to Wigan Warriors in Super League, and Warrington Wolves in the Challenge Cup, and face a Bulls side on a three-match losing streak.
Noble’s Reds – who will be rebranded as Red Devils next season – have lost once in Super League under their new coach, but he is wary of the wounded Bulls.
“Bradford have got all the credentials and will be disappointed with what they’ve dished up in the last few weeks,” he told the Telegraph & Argus.
“They will see Salford as an opportunity to put that right.
“I understand Bradford’s recent form hasn’t been the best but they have shown glimpses of how good they can be all year.”
And Noble – who is perhaps most well known for his time at the Bulls, guiding them to five successive Grand Finals – still looks out for his old club.
“When you cut me in half, I probably bleed red, amber and black,” he said.
“I played over 400 games and coached nearly 250 games for Bradford. But as a professional, my heart and soul is now with Salford.
“When I’m at looking at results, I do look out for Bradford. But if they’re playing Salford? You’re damn right I want Salford to win – every day of the week.”
The former Wigan and Great Britain coach also highlighted several key Bradford players his side will have to stop in order get something out of the game.
“Nick Scruton is back playing regularly and going really well and if you leave Luke Gale and Jarrod Sammut alone they will break the game open,” he added.
“And I’m a big fan of their back-rowers too.”
Salford City Reds: Broughton, Gibson, Gleeson, Gaskell, Foran, Ashurst, Dixon, Wild, Godwin, Nero, Mauro, Neal, Fages, Sneyd, McGoldrick, Evalds, Griffin, Walne, Emmitt
Image courtesy of Super League TV, via YouTube, with thanks
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