Watson taking the positives from Super 8s experience

Whatever happens this season, Salford coach Ian Watson knows the Super 8s experience will benefit his side.

The Red Devils are on a difficult run, having lost six straight games, and a rotation of personnel has meant Watson has entrusted several of his younger players with increased gametime, including Jake Bibby, Ryan Lannon and Kriss Brining.

He points to the experiences of Wakefield last season and how they’ve used it to kick on this year, despite losing all seven of their Super 8s encounters in 2016.

Either way, it’s a far cry from last year for Salford, who were seconds away from relegation in that memorable Million Pound Game.

Watson told the club’s official website: “This experience of playing the top teams at this level of a competition is very intense and it will make them better players going forward.

“Obviously, it’s tough for us at the moment but the young guys in the team are getting their chance and improving every week and next year the squad will be a lot stronger for it.

“Look at Wakefield, for example, they struggled in the Super 8s last season but have benefitted from it this season and are real top four contenders along with ourselves and a handful of other teams.

“All of these players get experience at this level puts us in a better position when we do get more of our senior players back.

“But, the big thing is this year and what we’ve still got left to play for.

“We’ve got a chance of reaching another semi-final with a top four finish and then there’s always the chance of Old Trafford and the Grand Final if we get in that top four.”

A tricky trip to a Wigan side themselves needing a win is up next for Salford, this Friday.

They then have crucial back-to-back home games against Wakefield and Huddersfield.