SALFORD Red Devils head coach Ian Watson has gone into details about the problems his squad are having ahead of Friday’s clash with Warrington Wolves.

In the time since The Wire last played – the win over Leeds Rhinos 14 days ago – Salford have played three times, including a Challenge Cup Final defeat.

They managed to beat a much-changed St Helens side 12-10 last night but in his post-match press conference, Watson revealed his squad is down to the bare bones.

“We had 16 today, two of them had broken ribs,” he said.

“Another was ill – he came in yesterday, didn’t train but sat in the corner to watch the video then went straight home.

“He had two crumpets this morning, anything else he’s not been able to keep down.

“Wigan had two weeks to prepare for us and we’ve got Warrington on Friday who’ve had three weeks to prepare for us. It’s a big ask for our players.

“It is ridiculous. Everyone talks about welfare but we’re falling really unlucky in that we’ve been playing teams who haven’t been playing.

“They’ve either been resting because of a Covid issue or playing teams who have then been stood down.

“Everyone who has been playing us has been able to lift weights and training properly, but we’re not.

“We’re coming in for recovery sessions, small light field sessions and then we play. It’s been continuous pretty much since the Challenge Cup semi final.

“I’m proud of the players for continuing to put their hands up.

“Lee Mossop wasn’t supposed to play tonight but he’s played big minutes.

“Luke Yates, Greg Burke, Gil Dudson – they’re all playing more minutes than any other front-rowers in the competition.

“Warrington have had two-and-a-half to three weeks to prepare and they will be stinging from the Challenge Cup semi-final. They will be really hungry to try and do a number on us.

“We’ll have to regroup and see where we’re at but at the moment, we’re a little bit busted.”