Exclusive: Salford star fires warning to St Helens, Wigan, Leigh and Catalans as Grand Final belief stated
Salford's Marc Sneyd and Ryan Brierley celebrate a try - Photo by PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo.
Salford Red Devils could yet be a danger in this year’s Super League play-offs, but first they need to put a run together to cement a top-six place.
That’s the view of full-back Ryan Brierley after Paul Rowley’s side ended a run of six straight defeats with a win at Huddersfield.
The victory was enough to move Salford back into the play-off picture ahead of this week’s home clash with relegation favourites Wakefield.
The Red Devils made the semi-finals from sixth last year where they were unfortunate to lose out to eventual champions St Helens.
Leeds Rhinos also made the Grand Final from fifth, and with just two points separating fifth and ninth in this season’s table, Brierley can see history repeating itself twelve months on.
“We could have made it easier but everyone is ready for a really strong finish,” Brierley told Love Rugby League.
“If we make the top six I think we have proved we can be a danger. Any team who makes the six will be in form, winning games and confident of winning more.
“So I think the teams who finish in those final two spots will be a team to have come up to those spots rather than slipped down into them.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if a team finishing fifth or sixth make the Grand Final.”
“Paul Rowley is great at protecting us from all the external noise.”
Catalans Dragons have looked formidable as league leaders this season, with Wigan, St Helens and Leigh already looking secure in the top four.
Warrington led the table at Easter but are wobbling in fifth after eight straight defeats and a head coach sacking.
Sixth place Salford have endured a difficult summer, with much external noise surrounding the club’s finances and the sale of England forward Tyler Dupree to Wigan.
“We’ve had a bit of a rough patch that I hope we have come through,” Brierley added ahead of Friday night’s home game with Wakefield.
“It’s no secret that it’s been a little bit unsettling here over the past two or three months. But the playing group has always been united and focused on winning a game of rugby at the end of every week.
“We share a common goal of a top-six finish and then challenging for silverware. You would be naive to think the off-field stuff doesn’t affect you because of course it does.
“When you hear so many things about your players and your club you naturally think about it and have doubts. So it’s been nice to refocus and start winning again.
“Paul Rowley is great at protecting us from all the external noise about the club and players sales and I think now we just stop talking and get on with this fight for the top six. It’s exciting and is where we wanted to be.”