PREVIEW: Salford Red Devils face tough start to new season

SALFORD Red Devils head coach Ian Watson faces a tough start to the new season when reigning champions Wigan Warriors visit the AJ Bell stadium in February, followed by a trip to Leeds and then the visit of Warrington Wolves making up the first three games of the season.

Wigan, as the newly crowned champions, will be looking for a good start to their campaign ahead of facing NRL champions Cronulla Sharks the following week for the World Club Challenge at the DW Stadium on February 19.

With Devils owner Dr Marwan Koukash ringing the changes to the academy and backroom staff, more of which on Tuesday’s Quays TV broadcast, it is once again an uncertain season ahead for Devils fans.

Speaking exclusively to Quays after winning the Million pound game to retain their top flight status, Ian Watson was confident that he could improve the squad, and was looking forward to the challenges ahead.

“Yes, we ended up in the middle 8’s, but it was a false position. We would have been sixth without the points deduction,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to 2017 and the challenge ahead. We’ve a great group of players here, and I’m excited to work with them.”

Stand out dates are the visit of Leigh to the AJ Bell on April 14, followed by the trip to Perpignian to face Catalan on April 17 over the Easter weekend.

The Devils close out their campaign with an away trip to face Leigh for the third time, having also met them at the Magic Weekend in Newcastle in May.

Salford’s fixtures are below: