
The players and staff of Salford Red Devils have flown out to South Africa for an 18 day training camp based at the High Performance Centre at Ingwenyama near Pretoria. The centre was originally constructed to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup and will provide Brain Noble with the very best facilities in which he can mould his newly assembled squad.
The full squad is finally all in one place and flew out today (Friday) with all the new recruits ready for an intense camp which will also give the opportunity for the players to start to gel ahead of their assault on the 2014 Super League Season.
It is a very long journey since the time exactly a year ago when the club did not know if it would start the season to a brand new club, playing staff, backroom staff and even identity. The players who were at the Reds last season know full well the extent of that journey and they are looking forward to the new campaign with great optimism. One of those players is captain, Martin Gleeson and he is relishing the challenge.
“I am flying in training at the moment and really looking forward to the South Africa Camp. It is an ideal time for us to really get to know and understand each other. We will be living in each other’s pockets on and off the field. Now is the time to build the team spirit and to establish the combinations that will prove so important to us all this season.”
“All of the players, old and new, are enjoying the new facilities at the club and the approach and attitude towards training is fantastic from everyone.”
During their visit the Red Devils staff will be working on physical preparation, team cohesion and some sessions with specialists who will help to create a mental toughness in the squad that will help them through the rigours of a long Super League campaign.
Whilst they are overseas the players will have the opportunity to see some of the sights and to work with some of the South African Rugby League Squad. The camp has been co-ordinated by SARL Administrator, Chris Botes and he will help them locally during their stay.
The Red Devils return to the UK on January 21st and will be totally focussed on impressing a massive crowd at the AJ Bell Stadium on February 16th when they meet the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, kick off 3:00.
Tickets for that must see match are on sale now from www.thereddevils.net