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The shadows of Old Trafford are almost visible from Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium but never has it seemed as close as it does now. It is almost a year to the day since the Red Devils secured survival on the final day of the season: now they are just one win away from a first appearance in the Grand Final. This side, who were simply far too good for Castleford here, have Super League’s second-lowest budget.
There are players whom other teams simply did not want. But together, they are greater than the sum of their parts and they will head to either St Helens or Wigan next Friday as a dangerous side to say the least. Salford’s defensive rearguard was the backbone for victory here, epitomised by one moment. With the Tigers trailing 12-0 courtesy of early tries from Tyrone McCarthy and Jake Bibby, both converted by Krisnan Inu, Jordan Rankin’s break in midfield seemed certain to produce Castleford’s first try of the night. That would have made it 12-6 with half-time approaching but Niall Evalds’ try-saving tackle on Rankin underlined the title-winning credentials this side possesses. Continue reading...