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Clear vision

Liam Chronnell
27/ 1/2005

IAN Sibbit was left dazed and confused after the Reds' friendly with Wigan but the second row is clear what he expects from his new team - a top-six finish.

The 24-year-old was left feeling groggy after Sean O'Loughlin's high tackle in the Reds' confidence-boosting 20-16 victory against Wigan on Tuesday night.

But the former Warrington player intends to stay focused on what the Willows club are capable of achieving in Super League X.

"We can shock a few people," said Sibbit, who returns to his old club on Sunday for Salford's final warm-up game. "We've got some great players here and we can beat anyone on our day.

"A top-six finish is not beyond us but we need to be consistent. A good start to the season is vital."

Sibbit will return to the Halliwell Jones Stadium with a point to prove after the Wolves stalled on offering the versatile player, who spent most of last season playing out of position at centre, a new contract.

He added: "I've always been a second-row and was forced into playing centre at Warrington through injury. Karl Harrison said before I joined that he saw my future as a second row and that was one of the reasons I moved to Salford.

"But the important thing is to just focus on my game. I've got a lot of friends still at the club, so I'm looking forward to going back."

The Wigan-born forward is also eager to team up with Junior Langi again. The pair played together for Melbourne Storm in the NRL and Sibbit expects his new Reds team-mate to be a success in Super League.

He said: "Junior has great ball skills and is very quick. He can play anywhere in the backs and is a bit like (Lesley) Vainikolo but more dynamic."

Meanwhile, Tim Hartley has returned from Florida with a broken wrist and will be out for eight weeks.

The 19-year-old fractured his wrist after a collision with Gareth Haggerty on the training ground.

"It was a very successful trip although unfortunate for Tim Hartley," said football director Steve Simms. "The boys got through a lot of physical work and skills, and the new players have come back really good mates."