Kallum Watkins ready to do on field business for Salford after fans’ effort

KALLUM Watkins has seen Salford show what can be done off the field – now to show what they can do on it.

That would give the fans who now technically own the Red Devils after raising £363,000 more hope they can watch their side at Wembley for the first time since 1969.

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And he feels Paul Rowley’s current side has more about it than the one he featured in that lost out by one point in 2020, when no-one was allowed in the national stadium because of Covid-19.

He said, despite insisting the thought of bringing silverware to the club has not yet crossed his mind: “When we went there during the Covid times, no-one was allowed in and it hurt the atmosphere.

“For us, it would be really, really special to get back there. It would be great to give the fans a day out at Wembley.

“The team, the staff and everyone involved with the club is doing a really good job and the fans have showed their passion and love for the club.

“Everyone’s trying to lift it as high as possible and we’ve got to do the job on the field.

“This team is similar to 2020’s in terms of finding ways to win but we play completely differently. Paul’s got his way of us playing and teams were prepared for our plays we played in that style last year.

“So it was harder do that this year but it’s the other things we’ve definitely improved at. Sometimes it might not look pretty but we’re finding ways to get the results – that shows the character of the team.

“We’ve got to continue that for the next few weeks now. We’ve a bit to go but it’s exciting.”

Salford’s quest for that first proper day out at Wembley in 54 years takes them to Hull KR today and one of the toughest tests.

And no matter how depleted Rovers are, no matter how many injuries they have – and Willie Peters’ side has a few – mettle will be tested.

Back rower Watkins, 32, added: “It’s one of the toughest places to go to and get a result – not many teams have done that this year.

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“They’ve been struggling in terms of injuries but they’ve got a good coach who gets the best out of them. We’ll be prepared for the best of the players they have.

“And not getting ahead of yourself helps you get to the big games.

“Every team sets out to win things and be in the big games competing but we know it’s a long journey, with plenty of ups and downs.

“We’ve got to be able to deal with adversities and take opportunities that are given to us. You’ve got to embrace the challenges.”