author
Tom YoungLive reporter

That's a wrap

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.

26 March 2021 7:58 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

Full-time: St Helens 29-6 Salford Red Devils

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.

 

26 March 2021 7:58 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

76' - Successful Conversion

Makinson adds the extras from bang in front.

26 March 2021 7:53 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

75' - TRY SAINTS

Alex Walmsley powers over to add to the Saints scoring.

26 March 2021 7:51 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

72' - Missed Conversion

Tommy Makinson can't add the extras.

23-6 with seven minutes to go.

26 March 2021 7:48 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

71' - TRY SAINTS

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.

26 March 2021 7:46 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

61' - Conversion Successful

Tommy Makinson adds the extras.

It's a three score game once more.

26 March 2021 7:35 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

60' - TRY SAINTS

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.

26 March 2021 7:34 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

55 - Conversion Successful

Krisnan Inu makes no mistake with the touchline conversion.

13-6 with 25 to go.

26 March 2021 7:28 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

54' - TRY SALFORD

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!

26 March 2021 7:27 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

52'

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

26 March 2021 7:23 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

50'

The Saints are awarded a penalty for a high shot.

They will have a set of six 10 metres out.

26 March 2021 7:23 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

49'

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

26 March 2021 7:21 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

48'

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.

26 March 2021 7:20 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

47'

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.

26 March 2021 7:19 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

42'

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.

26 March 2021 7:14 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

40' - Injury

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

26 March 2021 7:10 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

Kick-off

Salford take possession and we're back underway!

26 March 2021 7:09 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

Half-time: St Helens 13-0 Salford Red Devils

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.

26 March 2021 6:52 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

40' - Drop Goal St Helens

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

 

26 March 2021 6:51 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

38'

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.

26 March 2021 6:49 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

35' - Conversion Wide

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

26 March 2021 6:47 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

34- TRY SAINTS

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.

26 March 2021 6:46 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

34' - TRY SAINTS

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.

26 March 2021 6:44 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

31'

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.

26 March 2021 6:41 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

28' - Saints Penalty Conversion Successful

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.

26 March 2021 6:37 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

23'

The Saints defence remains resolute.


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

26 March 2021 6:33 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

21'

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

26 March 2021 6:31 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

19' - NO TRY

The referee rules it out for a double movement.

Salford are hanging on here.

26 March 2021 6:28 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

19'. - TRY SAINTS

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.

26 March 2021 6:27 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

18'

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.

26 March 2021 6:25 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

15'

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.

26 March 2021 6:23 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

14'

Salford are penalised for offside yet again.

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

26 March 2021 6:21 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

12'

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.

26 March 2021 6:20 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

10'

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.

26 March 2021 6:18 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

10'

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

He's taken a blow in the process too.

26 March 2021 6:16 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

8'

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

26 March 2021 6:15 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

7'

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!

26 March 2021 6:13 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

3' - Conversion Successful

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.

26 March 2021 6:09 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

2' - TRY

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.

26 March 2021 6:07 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

1'

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.

26 March 2021 6:06 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

We're underway

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

26 March 2021 6:05 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

Kick-off approaching

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.

26 March 2021 5:56 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

Knowles out until Round 4

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

A huge blow for the Saints!

26 March 2021 5:43 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

200 up for Sarge

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.

26 March 2021 5:10 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

Coote, Knowles missing for Saints

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.

 

26 March 2021 5:08 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

Starting Lineup: St Helens

And for the Saints this evening:

 

26 March 2021 5:00 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

Starting Lineup: Salford Red Devils

Here is the starting lineup for the Red Devils tonight:

 

26 March 2021 4:55 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

How to Watch

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!

26 March 2021 4:50 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

Team News: Salford Red Devils

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

 

26 March 2021 4:45 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

Team News: St Helens

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

 

26 March 2021 4:40 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

"We are expecting a real challenge"

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."

26 March 2021 4:35 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

26 March 2021 4:30 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

 

26 March 2021 4:25 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

A new Red Devils era begins

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.

26 March 2021 4:20 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

The quest for the three peat begins.

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?

26 March 2021 4:15 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

Kick-off Time

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

Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 GMT.

26 March 2021 4:10 PM BST
author
Tom YoungLive reporter

The Super League is back!

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.

26 March 2021 4:05 PM BST