"Bring back the enthusiasm" – that’s the Salford can return to winning ways, according to playmaker Todd Carney.
The Red Devils have lost their past two matches, both at home, to Hull FC and Wakefield. Salford have been so good and so consistent this season, one of the best teams in Super League, that consecutive defeats have been exceedingly rare.
But as the business end of the campaign approaches, and a quarter-final Cup match with Trinity, Ian Watson’s men want to return to the winner’s circle. On Friday night they were lethargic and error-prone as the Black & Whites romped to a convincing 34-10 victory. Salford gave away 12 penalties, missed 12 tackles and made 14 errors in the 24-point defeat.
Carney, who came off the bench in the loss, believes it is a simple case of attitude. The Red Devils have been focused and committed all year, and need to get that determination back into their play, starting with tomorrow’s Cup match.
“We’re not being out-skilled out there, we’re being out-enthused,” the stand-off told The Sportsman.
“When you’re winning on the trot teams turn up, and that’s what they’re doing. They’ve out-enthused us the last couple of weeks so for us it’s an easy one to fix. Being out-skilled, you have to come in and practice your skill day in, day out. But being out-enthused is just an attitude thing and I’m sure we’ll fix that. In the Challenge Cup there’s no second chances so it’s a big week for us to turn it around. And I’m confident we’ll do that.
“It’s natural to panic and everyone does it. We’re in a position where we can bounce back from it. I guess if you’re at the bottom of the table you’d be a little bit learned. As a group we know what we need to do for Wakefield and weeks going forward. It’s a little hiccup but it was always bound to happen, it’s just how you react from it now.”
For Carney this season has been a slightly strange one – he arrived several rounds in and took some time to get going. Mostly the former NRL star has had to bide his time as impact player off the bench, as Michael Dobson and Robert Lui have led the team around effectively. He’s also battled a calf injury, but has still managed six try assists and 12 tackle busts in eight appearances.
It’s been an unfamiliar position for the ex-Canberra, Roosters, Cronulla and Catalans half, who has also been a first-choice player during his career, to be in. But regardless Carney is confident he is clicking into gear.
“My body’s feeling good,” he said. “I’m on top of that and getting a bit more game-time so that always helps. I’ve just got to build combinations and play some good footy.”
With his one-year contract set to expire at the end of 2017, Carney is likely to be a coveted free agent. If Salford’s rise continues then staying at the AJ Bell Stadium would be an attractive proposition. Questions over his future don’t both the 31-year old. His focus is on doing what he does best – playing rugby league – and the rest will fall into place.
“The main thing for me is I just have to play some good football and then things take care of themselves,” Carney said. “It’s not really an issue for me at the moment. I’m enjoying my football and with enjoyment comes better football, so that’s what I’m working on.”
