Rangi Chase of Salford Red Devils produced another mesmerising performance as the club’s revival under the guidance of the Australia coach, Tim Sheens, continued.
The Salford owner, Marwan Koukash, brought Sheens into the country to advise the coach, Iestyn Harris, following their second loss in as many weeks to start the Super League season last month. Since then the Red Devils have claimed five points from six, with this 24-18 win against Wakefield inspired by the magnificent Chase.
Chase, who became an internet sensation following his “no-look” pass against Hull FC two weeks ago, scored one try and had a hand in the other three as the Devils moved above the Wildcats with the win.
“The players have stayed together after a difficult start, and we’ve bounced back really well,” said Harris. “The pleasing thing here was that we defended well for large periods, which can be imperative over the course of a season.”
The Wildcats, who have now lost three games in succession, started brightly, and led when Jacob Miller crossed following a superb break from Danny Washbrook. That stirred Salford and Chase into life though, and his break set up a score for Greg Johnson following a lazy pass from Wakefield’s Tim Smith.
Another Chase assist saw Weller Hauraki cross three minutes later to nudge the Red Devils in front, and it was a lead they would not relinquish. A piece of individual brilliance from the former man of steel saw him dance through the Wakefield line not long after the restart for try number three, before another brilliant pass provided Junior Sa’u with a simple finish.
A late try from Craig Hall gave Wakefield hope, but this was to be Salford’s day, largely thanks to the brilliance of Chase – who had not even trained all week after turning an ankle in training. “We’re not giving ourselves chances to win games,” lamented the Wakefield coach, James Webster. “It’s a high standard of rugby league we’re facing, and we shot ourselves in the foot. Effort get you close, but skill and detail gets you the win.”
Elsewhere, Hull KR posted 46 unanswered points to thump Catalans Dragons 50-20 at the KC Lightstream Stadium and pick up their second win of the season.
Salford Locke; Jones-Bishop, Griffin, Sa’u, Johnson; Chase, Dobson; Taylor, Lee, Morley, Hansen, Hauraki, Walne. Interchange Fages, D Griffin, Tasi, Walton.
Tries Johnson, Hauraki, Chase, Sa’u. Goals Dobson 4.
Wakefield Hall; Riley, Collis, Lyne, Owen; Miller, Smith; Scruton, McShane, Smith, Ryan, Kirmond, Washbrook. Interchange Godinet, Lauitiiti, Crowther, Simon.
Tries Miller, McShane, Hall. Goals Hall 3.
Attendance 2,712. Referee M Thomason.
