Slim pickings for Salford coach as splits in club widen

SALFORD'S playing group effectively went on strike to secure their wages following further delays in payroll, but look set to fulfil their fixture against Wigan this afternoon - albeit with a limited squad.

- TOM BRAMWELL

As in February, payments expected on the final Thursday of the month were not made, leading to the squad refusing to train on Friday morning.

An early afternoon meeting with CEO Chris Irwin allegedly included discussions of fines for players who refused to take to the field against the Warriors, but any such concerns were eased when wages were eventually paid a couple of hours later.

Still, it's been another fractious week for the Red Devils and the issues add to the headaches coach Paul Rowley is suffering thanks to the number of injuries within his limited squad.

Last week's victory over Huddersfield came at a cost with impressive young forward Harvey Wilson suffering a head injury and the resulting concussion protocols meaning that he is unable to feature against his former club this afternoon.