On a sunny Sunday at the Salford Community Stadium, the Betfred Super League clash between Salford Red Devils and St Helens unfolded with a familiar narrative—St Helens once again asserting their dominance in a comprehensive 46-4 victory. This match marked the second meeting of the season between the two sides, with St Helens having already dismantled Salford 82-0 back in February. The 128 points St Helens have amassed against Salford across these two games spotlight the gulf in class and current form between the teams, while also raising questions about Salford’s ongoing struggles and the challenges facing their squad.
Salford Red Devils entered the game with a severely depleted squad, fielding only 17 players due to salary cap restrictions and recent departures. One notable absence was forward Sam Stone, who controversially made himself unavailable for selection. Stone, an Australian forward linked with a move to Warrington Wolves, drew sharp criticism from Salford head coach Paul Rowley. Rowley accused Stone of “downing tools,” saying, “He has been talking to another club since pre-season and now he is fit, I guess that move can start to take shape. Yesterday he downed tools, which makes it a difficult position for us and certainly made today difficult.”
Rowley’s frustration was palpable as he lamented the impact of Stone’s decision on team morale and performance: “The manner of it is not good. There is a way of doing things and that is not the way. Everyone has to look after themselves and I would facilitate it [the move], but I think if you make a decision which hurts your team-mates it is not a good decision.” Despite these internal challenges, Rowley praised the grit and determination of his players, urging fans to continue supporting the squad through tough times.
Salford’s lineup featured some returns and hopeful signs. Chris Hill, a seasoned prop, came back into the starting side, while Tiaki Chan was named on the bench. Esan Marsters partnered Ryan Brierley in the halves, with loanee Jonny Vaughan taking a wing spot. However, the team’s youth and lack of depth were evident as they struggled to contain the St Helens onslaught.
St Helens, despite suffering several injury setbacks, including the long-term absences of Jack Welsby and Lewis Murphy and Mark Percival’s ankle surgery, fielded a strong side. Kyle Feldt made a triumphant return from hand surgery in March, starting on the wing and delivering a standout performance by scoring four tries and kicking three goals. Tristan Sailor, moved to full-back in place of the injured Welsby, impressed with his class and playmaking abilities, setting up key tries and providing defensive solidity.
The match began with St Helens quickly establishing dominance. Curtis Sironen opened the scoring with a try inside the first ten minutes, setting the tone for what would be a relentless attacking display. Alex Walmsley added a try within the opening 12 minutes, exploiting Salford’s defensive lapses. Feldt’s first two tries helped St Helens race to a 20-0 lead by halftime. Salford’s discipline woes contributed to their early deficit, conceding three penalties in a tight 90-second window, which St Helens capitalized on to maintain pressure.
Salford showed fleeting moments of attacking promise, with Marsters creating chances and Sam Hill making some dangerous runs. However, the Red Devils were unable to convert these into points until the final minute, when Hill scored his first senior try, diving over in the corner to prevent a second shutout of the season. This try was a small consolation in an otherwise challenging day for Salford.
The second half saw St Helens extend their lead emphatically. Harry Robertson scored two tries, including one following a brilliant line break by Noah Stephens, who exploited a defensive error by Salford’s Charlie Glover. Owen Dagnall, making his first start for St Helens, also crossed for a try, showcasing the club’s emerging talent. Feldt completed his four-try haul late in the match, capping off a dominant team performance.
Despite the scoreline, the game was not without its tensions. A mass confrontation erupted around the hour mark involving St Helens’ Alex Walmsley and Salford’s Matty Foster, reflecting the frustration and intensity on the field. St Helens coach Paul Wellens acknowledged the physical toll the match took on his team, noting injuries to key players: “Curtis (Sironen) came off – he had pretty bad back spasms – George (Whitby) failed a HIA and Joe (Batchelor) came off with what seems calf issue. It was good to come here and get a result but it has come at a bit of a cost.”
Wellens also highlighted the challenge of preparing for their next fixture against Leeds Rhinos without scrum-half George Whitby, who will miss the game after failing a head injury assessment. This upcoming match on June 20 will be a crucial test for St Helens as they seek to climb the Super League table, currently sitting fifth and trailing fourth-placed Leigh Leopards by three points and third-placed Leeds Rhinos by four.
The victory marked St Helens’ third win in their last four matches, signaling a potential return to form after a season marked by inconsistent displays. Yet, as some observers have noted, the team still shows signs of clunkiness and occasional lapses, raising questions about their ability to mount a serious title challenge this year.
For Salford, the defeat underscored the uphill battle they face. Their salary cap restrictions remain a significant hindrance, limiting squad depth and forcing reliance on younger, less experienced players. The loss of key personnel like Nene Macdonald, who has taken unpaid leave, further weakens the squad. Coach Paul Rowley’s candid remarks about his players’ quality and the need for “green shoots” within the team reveal a club in transition, striving to rebuild and compete more effectively in the Super League.
As the season progresses, both teams have clear objectives: St Helens must manage injuries and sharpen their consistency to challenge the league’s top contenders, while Salford must navigate their financial and personnel challenges to find stability and competitiveness. This latest encounter, while one-sided on the scoreboard, offers a snapshot of the contrasting fortunes and futures awaiting these two storied clubs.
