Two debutants with widely differing degrees of experience made a crucial contribution to Salford Red Devils’ emphatic 10-36 victory over Huddersfield Giants at the John Smith’s Stadium today.
The Red Devils’ Kiwi Test fullback Kevin Locke settled in immediately to his new role, scoring a try and kicking six goals from as many attempts, while also shoring up the last line of defence.
And the performance of the relatively inexperienced former London Broncos centre Mason Caton-Brown also delighted his coach Iestyn Harris, as he scorched in for a 70-metre try while showing a clean pair of heels to the Giants’ England Test star Leroy Cudjoe.
But the Red Devils had to overcome a red card for prop forward Lama Tasi after 60 minutes for a late tackle on Huddersfield captain Danny Brough.
The Red Devils now move up to 13 points in the Super League table, and lie just six points outside the top eight.
They made a blistering start, with Rangi Chase and Matty Ashurst scoring tries, although Joel Wardle replied, but Brough was unable to convert.
And that’s how the score remained for the rest of the first half, although the Red Devils could have gone further in front when winger Josh Griffin dropped the ball with the line at his mercy just before the interval.
Griffin made amends after the break when he caught a high kick and fed Caton-Brown who sped downfield for a solo try. Theo Fages, Greg Johnson and Locke also crossed before Larne Patrick scored a late try for the Giants, which Cudjoe converted in the absence of Brough.
A full report and photographs will feature in Monday’s Rugby League Express, which goes online from 11.00pm on Sunday evening.
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