The Background
Leeds will look to return to the top of Super League just 24 hours after being knocked off the summit by St Helens by consigning Salford to a campaign in the middle eight. Only a win for Salford will keep their hopes alive, and the Rhinos will be looking to respond after that narrow defeat to Wigan last weekend. Even a win could not be enough dependent on results elsewhere for the Red Devils – who are still being coached by assistant Ian Watson.
The Team News
The Rhinos can welcome back Zak Hardaker for the match after he missed the defeat at Wigan due to a one-match suspension for a dangerous tackle against St Helens two weeks ago.
The Stats
Leeds have won their last 13 meetings with Salford. The Red Devils’ last win against the Rhinos was 30-20 at Headingley on 13 April, 2009. That win is the club’s only victory over Leeds in the summer era.
The Rhinos have won five consecutive home games with Salford since then.
Leeds’s Zak Hardaker has scored a try in each of the Rhinos’ last four meetings with Salford.
2015 meeting: Salford 18, Leeds 28 (SLR10, 12/4/15)
Super League summary
Leeds won 34
Salford won 1
Leeds highest score: 56-6 (H, 2001); 56-16 (A, 2012) (Widest margin: 56-6, H, 2001)
Salford highest score: 30-20 (A, 2009) (also widest margin)
