Salford Red Devils have run into yet another selection issue with all five of the club's recognised back-rowers ruled out of Sunday's clash with Leeds Rhinos. The Reds, who have been able to recall Ryan Brierley, Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers after the key trio missed last week's loss to Wakefield Trinity.
But now they have a completely different issue with former Headingley favourite Kallum Watkins heading a list of absentees. The England international is facing a spell on the sidelines and he will be joined this week by Ellis Longstaff and Andrew Dixon, who both have concussions and are therefore unavailable this week. Shane Wright is still rehabbing after breaking his ankle, Sam Stone has a quad injury and James Greenwood is in the final stages of his return to play process. Danny Addy and Ben Hellewell appear the most likely back-row pairing having previously played in the position during their careers
It leaves coach Paul Rowley with a real headache ahead of what is an important game against a Leeds side that could move to within two points of them with victory. The Rhinos have won their last two games, Salford have lost their last three, but a victory would provide them with a strong six-point cushion with nine games of the season remaining.
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Salford have only been able to name a 20-man squad for the clash. Red Devils squad: Ryan Brierley, Ken Sio, Tim Lafai, Joe Burgess, Brodie Croft, Marc Sneyd, Jack Ormondroyd, Andy Ackers, King Vuniyayawa, Oli Partington, Chris Atkin, Danny Addy, Tyler Dupree, Alex Gerrard, Adam Sidlow, Amir Bourouh, Rhys Williams, Matt Costello, Ben Hellewell, Deon Cross.
