21 January 2023 , 10:05
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England star Andy Ackers says Salford have plenty of “tricks up their sleeve” as they bid for silverware.
Paul Rowley’s side were a surprise package last season when they got to within 80 minutes of Old Trafford. Playing an attractive style, opponents will be more wary of their quality when Super League starts again next month. But hooker Ackers - one of three Salford players to feature in England’s World Cup squad - says they’re ready to go further.
He said: “We reached the semis last year and I don’t see why we can’t go on and win something this time. We’ll be trying to achieve that and, when you look at the calibre of players we have, I’m fully confident we can. I’m sure we’ll have a few tricks up our sleeves. We’ll keep digging hard and Paul Rowley’s impeccable.
“His knowledge of the game and what he gets out of players is great. He gave me that confidence to go play my own game last year and he’ll be getting the best out of everyone in 2023.”
The 29-year-old played his way into England’s World Cup squad. They fell agonisingly short against Samoa in the semi-final when England boss Shaun Wane drew criticism for not selecting Ackers in his 17. Does he ever wonder if he could have made a difference off the bench in the 27-26 loss?
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Ackers insisted: “I wasn’t in the position to pick the team. But I had total belief in Waney’s decision. It was just a real proud moment to be part of the squad. I’ve learned a lot from the players and coaching staff. Hopefully, if I have a good enough season, I can replicate that again. It’s something on my mind and I don’t stop thinking about it. I’ve got a job to do with Salford but it’d be an absolute honour to play for my country again.”
England hooker Andy Ackers playing against Fiji (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) (Getty Images)England team-mate Kallum Watkins has been named Salford captain after Elijah Taylor’s departure to Featherstone. Ackers added: “Kal’s one of the best people I’ve ever met. He’s a really good friend who deserves everything he gets in life. Even when he was a young lad at Leeds I looked up to him then. He’s the ultra-professional."