Potter Wary Of Reds Threat

July 2, 2009 by Paul Mc

Salford are a team that “force you to make decisions whilst defending” and “play with a lot of shape”…

That’s the view of Saints Head Coach Mick Potter as he prepares his side to face the City Reds this Friday at the Willows. Potter will warn his top-of-the-table side tomorrow to be wary of the sting in the Reds tail as Shaun McRae’s side look to derail their title challenge.

“Salford vary their rucks a lot,” said Potter. “They can play with width off them, and then play close depending on the speed of their play the ball.”

“They also have a good kicking game and you need to be on your toes. In your own end they will stretch the defence and ask a lot of questions of you.”

Saints will be without Keiron Cunningham for the game – and the next three or four weeks – with a knee injury, whilst Matt Gidley looks to sit out the next two games with a quad problem.

There are also doubts over Jon Wilkin (neck), James Graham (head) and Leon Pryce (quad).

Potter added: “We will do a final check later in the week but Matty Ashurst, Andrew Dixon and Kyle Eastmond will probably feature depending on who is out. With Keiron sidelined, Jamie Ellis comes into contention too but James Roby is more than looking forward to starting.”

“He is a real handful for the opposition and adds another dimension to our game.”

St Helens will choose from:

1. Paul Wellens, 2. Ade Gardner, 5. Francis Meli, 6. Leon Pryce, 7. Sean Long, 10. James Graham, 11. Lee Gilmour, 12. Jon Wilkin, 13. Chris Flannery, 14. James Roby, 15. Bryn Hargreaves, 16. Tony Puletua, 17. Paul Clough, 18. Kyle Eastmond, 19. Chris Dean, 23. Maurie Fa’asavalu, 24. Andrew Dixon, 27. Jamie Ellis, 28. Matty Ashurst.