Rotherham Titans: Salmon returns as Titans gear up for tricky away test

The second row forward missed Saturday’s clash with Nottingham at Clifton Lane because of an Achilles problem, but is set to be included in the squad who fly out to the Channel Islands tomorrow.

Rotherham take on Jersey, fifth in the Championship on 50 points, knowing that recent wins against Bedford and Nottingham have made it almost mathematically certain that they will stay up and that Moseley are the club most likely to be relegated.

Nevertheless, coach Justin Burnell is far from complacent and is determined that his squad build on the improvements shown in the last two league games at home.

Winning in Jersey against a team that has a rock solid defence will test fully Burnell’s resolve and the skill of his team. Rotherham’s opponents have conceded 375 points in 19 Championship games, a far better record in defence that the Titans who’ve let in 508.

As regards the teams attacking results so far this season, there’s little to choose between them: Rotherham have scored 40 league tries and Jersey 48.

“We are aware that Jersey have a big and strong pack,” said Salmon, who’s made a good impression during his first season in the Championship.

“That is their strength, but considering the way our forwards performed against Bedford and then Nottingham, there’s no reason why we can’t do it again against Jersey.

“Our pack stopped Nottingham’s and those who came into the side took their chances well.”

Successfully coached by Harvey Biljon, the Channel Islanders, ambitious to be promoted eventually to the Premiership, have won 10 league games to date and narrowly beat London Scottish by 22-20 on Good Friday.

In fly half Brendan Cope, Jersey have one of the most accurate goal kickers in the league so Rotherham must be disciplined again.