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.

thats all we can do in the uk

I like Salford, my missus and her family are all from Salford, so I class them as my second team if anything. It’s a tongue in cheek jibe but I do smile a little when I hear talk even now that they’re doing it on a shoestring. That is bobbins! They’ve possibly got the deepest squad in the league this season and yes a lot of players were let go by other clubs but guys like Watkins, Lolohea, Taylor, Burgess, Sarginson and on and on won’t be coming cheap. You look at the squad for tomorrow and it’s 21 pretty experienced players.

Amazing what you can save by shelving your academy and letting other clubs do the work I suppose

I know your only joking but it was moneybags Koukash that shelved the academy which by the way is being reintroduced at this skint club with Paul Rowley appointed to the first position of "Head of Rugby Development, Talent and Pathways".

Anyhow whilst there wern't many that came through the ranks we didn't do mediocre regarding local boys like Mozza Betts Watkins Mcavoy etc etc, but what was the point anyway when the likes of you and Leeds nicked them all.

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

It’s great to see that Salford are doing that and the club looks to be being built up and the squad looks excellent to me. It was a joke that it was shelved in the first place and I’m glad people have come to their senses. I’m glad they’ve also looked to do it at a time when the investment in the first team squad seems pretty extensive and not chosen one or the other.

It all adds to the fact that the first time I have hear the word ‘shoestring’ on Sky this year I will fall off my chair laughing.

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

Just take a look at the Rumours and Signings thread and you will understand why.

We're not playing on paper.

Apologies if this has already been covered/discussed but does anyone know why Wigan have allowed French and Hastings to remain in Aus for so long? Hastings landing only last week and French only jetting off today.

I thought they’d want all players to have a proper pre season.