I guess so, even though you're only playing Leigh. We've had no RL for 12 months, so personally speaking I'm quite giddy, though I'll probably be thinking "I knew we'd get stuffed" at full time.

I think you'll find it's called "recruiting wisely" Nicky. When you read predictions on most forums Salford are widely tipped as bottom 3 contenders again so the vast majority of RL watchers don't appear to agree with you (asides from us ever-pessimistic Salford fans who think we'll go ok).

I'm sure the "poor old skint Salford" comment is a bit of a dig but all those quality players we've managed to bring in have all been deemed surplus to requirements at other clubs or are wanting a chance to play every week where they may have been squad players elsewhere (Burgess/Sarginson/Taylor/Watkins to name but four). That's how we have to operate to survive/thrive by good coaching and picking up fringe players with hunger/a point to prove etc. Slightly different from cherry (& white ) picking players from "smaller" clubs. We certainly aren't doubling/trebling players wages.

I like many are concerned about the backs but let’s hope our forwards really step up.

Farrell and Bateman is one of the best second row partnerships in the world.

Havard, Partington and Smithies should be improved after another preseaon

Hoping Bullock can take his game to another level.

Can’t wait.

Expecting a scrappy win

I agree I think Salford are underrated. They will be very difficult to beat again this season if they can keep the majority of their troops fit and healthy. However, I don't share your optimism about them beating Saints but I hope that you are right.

I think 99% of Salford fans will agree with you. Saints are the one team we just can't beat away (Leeds & Wigan were the same until recently) no matter how well we play. Our record in the SL era against them is probably the worst of any team against any other SL team in that period! We've also been screwed a couple of times in the past few years by refs at the TWS and Saints look stronger than ever this season. Ok, so the game is at Headingley so not technically away but we're notoriously slow starters so a decent showing and making a game of it is all we're looking for. A win would be a massive bonus!

I know Wigan have players out but I'd be very surprised if Leigh beat you. On paper they'll struggle (not overly impressed with their signings but they couldn't exactly do much else tbh) so despite your injuries you should have too much for them.

How has this turned into a team for Friday & opponents Leigh thread, into one that now includes Salford ? Confused.com