Player by player

Ratchford - Again proved to me that he's the man to play at fullback. Great support runner, and offers far more than Russell wrapping around the line in attack. Defence was great too. For our style of play we need a smart fullback - Ratchford is that man.

R Evans - Looked dangerous with the ball and seems to have found that step again when hitting the line. Got caught out a couple of times when Salford went wide.

Monaghan (Capt) - Constantly talking on the pitch, much like last year which was good to see. Looked dangerous with ball in hand, but like his winger was caught out on both scores for Salford. That said in defence of both of them, if Dobson isn't on the pitch Salford don't score those tries.

Atkins - Took his try well, showing great speed. I thought it was Penny that scored it initially. Still suspect defensively for me, and better sides will exploit us out wide. He's not the smartest of players, as seen when getting both himself and Penny bundled into touch early in the count. A better player off a short ball where his speed and power exploit lazy edge defenders.

Penny - Great performance, looks like a rugby league player now. Very dangerous in attack, and great enthusiasm in defence. Obvious test will be against better sides and wingers. Looks better equipped though now.

O'Brien - Steady performance. Kicking game not up to much but otherwise directed the team well and looked ot take the line on. Took quite a few late hits, but got up and carried on.

Myler - Best game in a fair while. Looked interested, looked to direct play, and backed up well for his try. Tested in defence and came up well from it.

Sims - Targeted by Salford all game. Did what he needed to in both attack and defence. Lasted longer on the field than the bully boys who targeted him, which speaks volumes.

Clark - Quietly effective. Shipped the ball quickly and accurately, stood up well in defence. He'll get better when he's fitter and morecused to how we play.

Hill - Your normal 8/10 performance. Surprised he got riled early on throwing the ball at the Salford player after being pushed back in goal - that could be down to dirty Salford niggle though.

Laithwaite - What every team wants in a back rower. Carts the ball up strongly, defends very very well. Setting high standards early.

Currie - Looking like the player that burst through a few years back - but with better defence.

Westwood - Typical performance. Strong with the ball, strong in defence. Typical brain fart that could have seen a red with a different ref. Needs to control that.

Subs

Higham - Effective against a tiring Salford defence. Offers something different to Clark. Typical Higham performance.

Harrison - Solid if unspectacular. Defended well, took the ball up strongly.

Asotasi - Couple of decent stints. Great shot on Morley on our own line to cause and error, and drew Morley in to free Higham up for his try.

Wheeler - Decent cameo, keep him fit and we've a very useful player. Quick, evasive and smart.

Happy overall - room for improvement, but a decent start against niggling opposition.

Good. Looks like the folks at Red Hall saw Tony's interview in the WG.

I would really like to see Bennys 'head tackle' again.
At the time I thought it was a certain red card, when the Ref only gave Benny a yellow then I thought a ban would follow.

Did the panel manage to miss Hauraki's shoulder charge to O'Brien's head ?

Penalty sufficient. Committed to making tackle by making a wrapping motion.......whatever that means.

I was really worried when Benny made that tackle , as it looked pretty bad. Think it was a good job that it didn't all kick off and Benny seemed to stick his hands up which helped situation . Good decision by ref and red hall.