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SALFORD’S squad celebrate winning the National League One on Sunday, now they look forward to a play-off rehearsal against Crusaders
Perfect prep
Tony Howard22/ 8/2008
SALFORD City Reds coach Shaun McRae says his side will treat their final National League One game as a play-off rehearsal.
The Reds travel to Bridgend to face second-chasing Celtic Crusaders, with places in the play-off team up for grabs, and McRae says the game couldn’t have come at a better time.
He said: "We’ve had a couple of games which we’ve won too easily lately, so this match is coming at exactly the right time for us.
"Crusaders are a tough team and, like us, are preparing for Super League next season, plus they’re going for second spot.
"We’ll be treating this almost like a play-off game ourselves. I’ll be playing our strongest side, but there’s still an opportunity for players to earn their place in the play-offs.
"Bridgend is a tough place to go and with it being possible we will meet Celtic in the play-offs, it’s almost like a rehearsal.
"We will have to step up the performances of late, then we have a two-week break."
The Reds have no injury worries going into the game on Saturday, August 23, and McRae admits they’ve been lucky on that score.
"We’ve had a good hand when it comes to team selection most of the season, with only the odd problem," he said.
"I don’t want to tempt fate, as something could happen on Saturday, but if our good luck continues then we are in a very strong position."
Salford are currently recruiting for next season and the coach is happy with the progress they’ve made ahead of their return to the big time.
Fans are looking forward to seeing three imports from Australia’s NRL pulling on a red jersey next term.
The Reds secured Luke Swain from Gold Coast Titans last week (see page 95), to add to previous signings Ray Cashmere, from North Queensland, and South Sydney half back Jeremy Smith.
McRae said: "We’ve brought in some quality players with experience and there’s still two overseas slots to fill.
"We won’t be rushing anything and we’ve put no time scale on signings.
"We’re pulling together the right mix of experience and youth. Our young players have benefited immensely from this season, but they will have to step up another level next year."
Salford have been linked with St Helens centre Willie Talau this week, but McRae insisted that ‘no new signings are imminent’.
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21/08/2008 at 15:11