As it happened: Saints cruise to 29-6 victory over Red Devils

That's all we have time for in this one, but be sure to switch over to our live coverage of the second game of the evening as the Leigh Centurions take on the Wigan Warriors.

Until then, I've been Tom Young, goodnight.

St Helens get their quest for three in a row off to a perfect start with a convincing victory over the Salford Red Devils.

The Saints were in command from the get-go and never looked like relinquishing their lead.

The scoreline flattered the Saints somewhat, as the Red Devils fell away in the last 10 minutes, but there can be no complaints about the result.

 

Makinson adds the extras from bang in front.

Alex Walmsley powers over to add to the Saints scoring.

Tommy Makinson can't add the extras.

23-6 with seven minutes to go.

Krisnan Inu spills Theo Fages' high ball and Kevin Naqama is the quickest to react, scooping up the loose ball to touch down in the corner.

Tommy Makinson adds the extras.

It's a three score game once more.

There's no need for the Video Referee this time.

Mark Percival rises highest to touch down for his first try since the 2019 Grand Final.

Krisnan Inu makes no mistake with the touchline conversion.

13-6 with 25 to go.

It might not be over just yet!

A lopping ball from Tui Lolohea finds Ken Sio in acres of space on the right hand side.

The Salford winger plants the ball down to give the Red Devils hope!

Wellsby knocks on once again as the ball is turned over.

The Saints are awarded a penalty for a high shot.

They will have a set of six 10 metres out.

Salford hand the ball straight back as Sarginson is penalised for offside.

Jack Wellsby spills a routine high ball to give Salford their first look at the line in this half.

You feel they have to take these chances.

The Saints have upped their intensity in this second period.

Salford are struggling to make any yards in their attacking sets, as the Saints keep them pinned in their own half for a third consecutive set.

Salford spill the ball on their own 40 to give Saints yet another look at the line.

Handling errors have cost the Devils this evening.

A nasty collision on the first tackle as Pauli Pauli and Paasi collide.

Salford take possession and we're back underway!

The hooter sounds for half-time, with the Saints in command.

Salford will need to up the ante if they are to get anything from this one.

We'll be back with the second half coverage shortly.

Jack Wellsby slots over the one-pointer on the hooter to hand the Saints a 13-0 lead at half-time.

 

Pauli Pauli spills a routine catch on his own 40 to give the Saints another look at the Salford line as the clock ticks down to half-time.

Makinson pulls his conversion attempt wide to keep it at a two score game.

The try is given.

There did look to be a strip from Mark Percival on Kallum Watkins in the build up, but the try is awarded regardless.

12-0 with the kick to come.

That could be that.

Regan Grace goes over in the corner to extend the Saints lead.

Or does he? Video ref will check this one too.

Salford are awarded a penalty for offside.

You feel the Red Devils need the next score if they are to get anything out of this one.

The Saints are awarded a penalty for offside, and they opt for the two.

Tommy Makinson steps up and delivers to stretch the lead to eight.

The Saints defence remains resolute.

Salford are throwing the ball around nicely though, they just need to step up their intensity a touch.

Salford go for broke on the last and earn themselves a repeat set for their troubles as the Saints knock on.

The referee rules it out for a double movement.

Salford are hanging on here.

Jonny Lomax is over for a second Saints score of the evening.

Or is he? The video referee will take a look at this one.

Saints are hammering away at the Salford line here, and they'll have another set of six on the Red Devils line after Sarginson knocks on on the last.

Percival is over in the corner, but it's brought back for a forward pass in the build up.

It's the correct decision by the referee, one which Salford desperately needed.

Salford are penalised for offside yet again.

They can't afford to keep giving Saints these easy get outs.

Saints make their way to the Salford 10, but the kick on the last is too heavy as Salford earn themselves a seven-tackle set.

Kallum Watkins can't hold on to Kevin Brown's pass and the chance goes begging.

Saints are then awarded a penalty for a late hit by Seb Ikahihifo.

Inu goes for the line but is kept out by a scrambling Saints defence.

He's taken a blow in the process too.

Salford get their first look at the Saints line as Elijah Taylor reacts quickest to force a repeat set.

First penalty of the evening goes the way of the Saints as Salford fail to get onside.

However they fail to find touch with their kick and Salford get possession back!

In the absence of Coote, it's Makinson who takes up the goal kicking duties this evening.

He nails his first attempt from the touchline to give the Saints an early 6-0 lead.

Tommy Makinson touches down to open the scoring for the Saints as he leaps highest to get on the end of Theo Fages' cross-field kick.

The first error comes as Krisnan Inu knocks out 10 metres from his own line. 

Saints with a great chance to open the scoring here.

Salford - in their black away strip - kick-off to get this Super League campaign underway!

We're under five minutes from kick-off in this Super League season opener!

Grab yourselves a drink and get ready for the action to ensue.

Sky Sports have just confirmed that Morgan Knowles will be out until at least Round 4.

A huge blow for the Saints!

Dan Sarginson will make his 200th Super League appearance this evening, as he starts at fullback for Marshall's men.

Elliot Kear begins at centre, whilst Elijah Taylor will make his debut from the hooker spot.

There is no room in the 17 for Morgan Escare though, with the Frenchman left out of the side altogether.

St Helens will be without the influential pairing of Lachlan Coote and Morgan Knowles this evening, with the duo missing through injury.

Jack Welsby will take up the full back role in Coote's absence.

 

And for the Saints this evening:

 

Here is the starting lineup for the Red Devils tonight:

 

If you are wanting to watch the game live, then you can find coverage on Sky Sports Arena.

However if you are wanting to follow along with all of the coverage online, then VAVEL UK is your best option!

Here is the Salford Red Devils 21-man squad for Richard Marshall's first competitive game in charge:

 

Kristian Woolf has named his 21-man squad for this evenings clash!

 

Despite being the overwhelming favourites for tonight's clash, Kristian Woolf is not expecting an easy ride:

"We are expecting a real challenge."

"They have a strong squad and they will be well coached and prepared for Round One."

There's been big change at Salford in the off-season.

They have a new coach, a new badge and a host of new faces, but they goals remain the same.

Two cup finals in two seasons is testament to the progress that the Red Devils have made in recent times, though they will be hoping to go that one step further this time around.

They enter this game as huge underdogs, but they are no stranger to that title.

Kristian Woolf's St Helens side will begin their quest for an elusive three-peat this evening.

The Saints secured their second consecutive Super League crown in the most dramatic of circumstances in their last competitive outing.

They face a Salford side lead by former assistant head coach Richard Marshall for the first time.

Will he come back to haunt his old employers in his first Super League game as head coach?

St Helens vs Salford Red Devils will be played at Headingley Stadium, Leeds.

Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 GMT.

Hello and welcome to VAVEL's live coverage of the opening fixture of the Super League season.

I am your host Tom Young, and I'll be with you all evening to bring you coverage of tonight's two Super League opening round fixtures.

We will provide you with pre-game analysis, team updates, and news as it happens live here on VAVEL.com.