Pundits split on Salford Red Devils and Leigh Leopards outcome with key points raised

Salford and Leigh battled it out at Magic Weekend.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Matthew Shaw
I can't remember looking forward to a play-off series more than this one. We've got six brilliant teams all with great narratives to follow, with Leigh and Salford both firmly in that mix. Both teams have done tremendously well to get here in different circumstances. Salford had a horrific off-season yet have emphatically proved everyone wrong, Leigh's play-off hopes looked well and truly over yet have stormed into the six.

So who wins? Having watched Leigh nil Salford just over a month ago, it's hard to not look back on that game and back the Leopards. They were brilliant that day and Salford didn't really show up. Of course, this is a different day and a different set of circumstances. Crucially, Salford are at home, only Wigan have beat them on home soil this year, and that's a key factor. There's also the fact that we've seen a number of teams go on runs like Leigh's to make the six then the play-offs prove a game too far, could that happen here?

I think if we get the best version of Leigh, they will win this game. However, with concerns over Kai O'Donnell and Salford rested after last week, they're getting the tip from me.
Prediction: Salford by 4

Dan Tomlinson
The Super League play-offs are finally here and what a start we have ahead of us as Salford Red Devils host Leigh Leopards in what could yet be a sold out venue. The hype is real. As for the game, it’s so hard to predict. Salford, who gave all their stars a week off, have had another superb season and it’s almost like you write them off at your own peril. They have also lost just once on home turf all season to Wigan in a game they really should have won.

They also have the mercurial leader Marc Sneyd, the Iceman, whose kicking game could yet be instrumental. Added to a resilient never say attitude from a team Paul Rowley continues to get the best out of, and you soon sway Salford’s way. But then you remember Leigh have won 10 out of their last 12 games in a surge to the play-offs that this writer predicted three months ago on the House of League podcast (shameless plug). The Leythers are in good form, and with Lachlan Lam, Edwin Ipape, John Asiata, etc, will be confident of victory, even with the fitness doubt of Kai O’Donnell.

This tie, featuring two sides who play a great brand of rugby league, has all the makings of a classic play-off, and hopefully we get that. It’s so close to call, but I’ll go with the Red Devils. Just.
Prediction: Salford by 2

Arindam Rej
Salford Red Devils' recent decision to rest all their key men was beneficial to their club, but bad for Super League in terms of severely reducing the chances of final-round drama - and just because it is something that is seen these days in Super League does not make it desirable - but Leigh Leopards still look in impressive enough form to beat their opponents, although an exciting and potentially tight contest looks in prospect.
Paul Rowley's men have a strong home record, but Leigh have rocketed up the table. Adrian Lam's men suffered with injuries earlier in the campaign but the squad is strong now and that is why they are one of the competition's in-form teams. Much will depend on the tactical kicking and game management of Marc Sneyd for Salford - arguably too much will depend on him - but I believe Leigh's pack and attacking strike power can get the better of their opposition. Admittedly this has not been one of Leigh's happiest hunting grounds but I am backing them to rise to this occasion.
Prediction: Leigh by 6

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