Krisnan Inu has challenged Salford Red Devils to be ready for the ‘fight’ against Hull FC this weekend – before calling Super League’s fixture list ‘stupid.’
The two clubs meet for the first time this season on Sunday, with the fixture for Salford sandwiched in between two games against St Helens. The Red Devils also met the Saints in round one and have also played the likes of Leeds and Hull KR twice before clashing with the Black and Whites. Meanwhile, Hull have also played Wigan at home twice and Catalans away twice before meeting Salford for the first time this year, with similar cases across the board in Super League.
The bizarre fixture list has brought many to comment on it this year. However, Inu was quick to lay the focus on how Salford perform. The financially stricken club have had a torrid year, placed under a sustainability cap and forced to sell players to rival clubs. They have just two wins in all comps to their name and have lost their last ten games in both league and cup.
Speaking in Salford’s pre-match press conference, Inu said: “To be honest, I think it’s stupid (the fixture layout), but that’s all I can say. As for Hull FC, they are playing well this year. They started well but then got a few injuries themselves, like us. We’re still expecting a good team; they’ve got a good squad, so we will be ready for the fight.”
Salford have been dealt more issues this last week with Sam Stone, who, by head coach Paul Rowley’s account, had ‘downed tools,’ refusing to train or play for the club and instead completing a move to Warrington. The deal saw Dan Russell and Tom Whitehead come the other way, with Inu opening up on another tough situation.
“How it happened was a tough one to swallow,” he said. “We understand the situation everyone has been in in the last few months. I think everyone is in the same boat, and I think Rowls answered it for all of us, really.”
“It hurts, but we’re not ones to sulk and cry. We have a job to do, and we’ve got the boys to manage it in their own way. It is a distraction, but I think we’re pretty good at getting over those things quickly and focusing on what the next job is.”
On Russell and Whitehead, who have joined the club on loan, Inu said. “They’ve just had their first run. They’re good, able bodies. They’re good for the squad. They look positive; they look like they fit in and are enjoying their time with the boys so far. We’ll see how they are closer to the game.”
Elsewhere, Salford could have Joe Mellor back for the Hull clash, with the club also giving an update on Kai Morgan, who left the field during last week’s game against St Helens.
“Joe is looking alright,” Inu added. “We’ll see how he goes during the week and see if he’s ready come weekend time. Kai is okay; he just wanted a breather by the looks of it.”