Three keys to victory for Salford Red Devils against Hull KR

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Salford Red Devils take on Hull KR in a contest that could go either way between two sides that will be aiming to finish in the top six this season. Both got off to a solid start last week with wins in their respective round 1 fixtures but something has to give here and TSZ looks at three reasons why the home side can prevail:

SUPERIOR SPINE

This game is likely to be won in the spine. Both teams have the quality in that area but the spine of Ryan Brierley, Brodie Croft, Marc Sneyd and Andy Ackers were superb for Salford last season, guiding them to within 80 minutes of the Grand Final. That quartet all played their part in Salford’s win over Leigh last week and with Rovers missing regular fullback Lachlan Coote through injury, the hosts look to have the upper hand in a key department.

DEFENSIVE RESILIENCE

Salford were excellent with ball in hand last season as their playmaking ability and willingness to give the ball some air was a large reason behind their success. However, in last week’s win over Leigh Leopards, they had to show their defensive resolve and they were able to pass that test with flying colours. They did a great job of limiting Leigh’s chances with the ball and conceded just two tries, one of which was a controversial penalty try. If the Red Devils can produce a similar defensive performance here, they will be in a great position to land the points

FORTRESS

Salford do not boast huge numbers in terms of their attendances but the fans that do attend make a huge noise and have made the AJ Bell Stadium something of a fortress. They won five of their last six home games to finish last season and that defeat came in a game in which they fielded a hugely weakened side with their key players rested ahead of their first play-off contest. Salford clearly enjoy playing in front of their fans and home advantage can prove to be very important in this clash.