Salford coach Ian Watson believes they can learn from their Super 8s woes
Red Devils have won just one of their six games so far
IAN Watson insists Salford have learned plenty from their Super 8s torment – including what they need to really compete with the big boys.
The Red Devils started the seven-game series in fourth place but they are now out of the semi-final reckoning after one win from six matches.
Fans are concerned that the wheels have fallen off, even though owner Marwan Koukash revealed they will not change their name to Manchester, with talk of cost-cutting for 2018 sweeping the club.
But coach Watson insists the harsh lessons can be put to good use next year as they have learned the hard way what it takes to really compete.
He said: “When I first came in, we spoke about being on a journey and an adventure as a group. We’ve got to the Super 8s, which is where we wanted to get to. Then we wanted to compete and learn from it.
“I’ve learned miles more from this small spell here, even more than last year when we went through the Million Pound Game and from earlier in the season when we were winning.
“We’ve learned what it takes at this level and how you look at the game a bit. This will be all better for us going forward.
“Hopefully we can turn the corner now the chance has gone but the fact we still had a chance with two games left shows the progression.
“We’ve had a bad run recently but that’s doesn’t tell you the full story of how far we’ve come. Our key now is finishing the season strongly and making sure we’re in this same situation next year.
“I feel we will be then we’ll see the progression we’ve made on the back of this.”
While Salford’s fate is known, St Helens’ definitely is not heading into the final round of Super 8s fixtures.
A win tonight should be enough to book a semi-final spot as fifth-placed Wigan’s points difference is 64 worse.
And even though he would no doubt prefer to have a last four spot booked, Saints coach Justin Holbrook admits the Super 8s – under threat as talk of a restructure for 2019 persists – have showed they should stay because of the uncertainty.
He said: “There have been a few dead rubbers in the Super 8s over the last years but this year it is an exception.
"Every game has been vital and there have been some cracking games.
“If it happens like that every year you’d keep it, wouldn’t you? It’s been a great format this year.”
