Sam Tomkins

It was meant to be a week that was as positive as possible, following the official takeover of Dr. Marwan Koukash at the club, but that will be the most positive thing for Salford this week, after they were mauled by the Wigan Warriors in their season opener, losing 42-0.

Whilst it was a gutsy effort by Salford overall, they were no match for the rampant Wigan outfit – with English fullback Sam Tomkins scoring a hat-trick.

Wigan coach Shaun Wane was pleased with his side’s opening round performance, praising a number of his players, whilst admitting that combinations have not quite gelled yet.

“That game blew the cob webs out, I had a few players a little bit rusty but I was happy with the performance,” said Wane.

“Fair play to them, I am really pleased they have got things sorted, I am pleased for Phil (Veivers), I knew it would be a test for us in the early period and all credit to them for sticking at it, I thought we were quite good today.

“I thought the middles, the front rowers were outstanding today, Sam is a great player but the work what the middles did in the early period was fantastic. Both Jack and Faz did a full 80 minutes which was outstanding. I thought Blake and Matty both played well, they haven’t gelled completely yet and they will get better.

“The second half was 90% / 100% completion which if we can stay that all year I will be really happy.

“I know we can play and that wasn’t a complete performance today, we were a little loose in contact but once we fix that up we will be OK this year.”

Wane was left confused by one part of the game, however – that being when Wigan prop Gil Dudson received a yellow card in the second half.

“I don’t know where that sin binning of Gil Dudson came from, it came out of the blue so I need to check on that – the ref gave three penalties for their high tackles in the second half, but no sin binning,” said Wane.

“I will be seeking clarification because a sin binning at this level can cost you the game. I am into my players for being squeeky clean and I need to know if my players are sin binned it is the right decision, if it is that’s fine but I need to know.”

By ricky

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