SALFORD Reds coach Shaun McRae says that Sunday’s pre-season friendly at Leigh Centurions went like a dream.

A makeshift Salford side played well to record a 26-6 win and the Reds also emerged from what was the first rugby league game played at the Centurions’ new Leigh Sports Village home unscathed on the injury front.

McRae said: "We have come through okay and that’'s very pleasing, especially in a pre-season friendly. We’ve picked up bumps and bruises but we are okay.

"Leigh played with great enthusiasm. It was a very good workout for us. Our young players acquitted themselves superbly. During one 15 minute spell, none of our players were over 21.

"When we created chances we took them and you could see that Jeremy Smith has a bit of class about him. He played well in his first game.

"The senior pros did everything expected of them and the youngsters have smiles on their faces in the dressing room. It’s really pleasing to see such talent coming through."