Salford Red Devils Head Coach Ian Watson believes his side’s success this season is down to hard work after they booked their place in the Betfred Super League Grand Final for the first time in the club’s history.

This photo is my own (Cari Morris)
Salford Red Devils captain Lee Mossop poses with the Super League trophy. Credit: Cari Morris

An impressive performance at the DW Stadium on Friday night saw the Devils secure a comfortable 28-4 victory over defending champions Wigan Warriors, which granted them a place in the Grand Final at Old Trafford this Saturday.

“That’s what our group has been built on. It’s been built on guys who don’t want to crave the limelight, they want to do the hard work for each other and not let each other down.” Watson explained.

This photo is my own (Cari Morris)
Joey Lussick and his teammates celebrate the win at Wigan with champagne showers. Credit: Cari Morris

The underdog side are hoping to carry on this narrative as they take on this year’s League Leaders’ Shield winners, St Helens.

Despite the Saints being the obvious favourites to lift the Super League trophy, Watson is convinced his squad have the confidence to take home the ultimate prize.

He said: “We are really confident as a group, we know what we need to do to beat St Helens. It’s up to us now to put that into place on Saturday.”

One player who is guaranteed to leave this season with silverware is Half-back Jackson Hastings, who swept the floor at Sunday nights Super League Awards, winning both the Fans’ Entertainer of the year and the prestigious Man Of Steel.

“I’m over the moon! It’s one of those pinch yourself moments. It’s a moment in my career and life I’ll never forget,” said Hastings.

“Winning the most prestigious awards you can last night, and having my family there with me. It’s been an amazing few days but hopefully we can cap it off with the win here on Saturday night.”

In what will be Hastings’ final game in a Red Devil shirt, the Aussie is hoping to end his career on a high and put Salford’s name on the Super League trophy for the first time.

“We want to win, and being the underdogs is all the motivation that we need.

“We know the uphill battle that we face but I was just looking at that trophy before and we want to have that cup above our heads come Saturday night.”

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