Salford overcome Huddersfield to set up a Betfred Super League semi-final clash with St Helens

Chants of ‘Salford get battered, everywhere they go’ from the thousands in the raucous away end were laced with irony.

Salford didn’t get battered. Paul Rowley’s Red Devils dished out another hammering. Victory in the Super League play-off eliminator took them into a semi-final at St Helens next Saturday.

Aussie playmaker Brodie Croft was forced off and failed a Head Injury Assessment, ruling him out next week in a huge blow.

The teams observed a minute’s silence before the game to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

But only a fool would turn their back on Rowley and his men right now. There is too much energy, too much drive, coursing through the veins of a club written off as no-hopers at the start of the season. 

Salford have the lowest budget in the competition but a commodity you can’t buy. ‘This was a win for the character and commitment within our group,’ beamed Rowley. ‘The whole defensive line was connected and showed a great appetite. 

‘St Helens are the champions and we speak a lot about them because they’re the benchmark. ‘We’re massive underdogs, but our journey doesn’t feel like it’s ready to end.’

Paul Rowley’s team will now go on to face St Helens for a spot in the Super League final

Salford were 16-0 up at half-time after Joe Burgess finished clinically and Kallum Watkins finished off a stunning break by Croft.

Ryan Brierley was sinbinned but later dived on Marc Sneyd’s deft kick for Salford’s third before Andy Ackers — championed for an England World Cup call-up by Rowley — scored a delightful solo effort.

The architect was Sneyd, whose left boot tormented the Giants.