Rugby League Coaching Manuals

All the points came in the second half with Salford grabbing tries through Steve Tyrer, Ray Cashmere and Stuart Littler, captain for the day in his last match after 13 years with the club.

Tyrer also booted two goals on an emotional occasion with today's game marking the end of an era at the Willows with eight players heading out of the club.

Regular skipper Malcolm Alker and Willie Talau are retiring - although Alker will remain on the coaching staff - with Karl Fitzpatrick, Littler, Jeremy Smith, Phil Leuluai, Steve Tyrer, Ian Sibbit and Luke Swain leaving.

Alker, given a guard of honour by team-mates before kick off, and Fitzpatrick were missing through injury but the other seven made final appearances for the Reds.

Two of the Reds' new captures Iafeta Paleaaesina and Phil Bailey, both signed from Wigan, watched the victory.

McRae, whose side leapfrog Harlequins to finish third from bottom, said: "We have finished higher and with more points than last season.

"We wanted to win to climb above Harlequins, to send everyone off on a high and to give our leaving players fond memories of finishing at the club.

"It could not have worked any better for Stuart and I wanted to have all the seven players who are leaving on the pitch at the end.

"We had a lot of ball in the first half but the windy conditions didn't help.

"We took a lot out out of Wakefield but it was a pretty even tussle.

"We have climbed another rung on the ladder this season with a smaller and less experienced squad than last year.

"But we are very excited about our new signings."

The Cats tries came from Salford-bound Tevita Leo-Latu and Sean Gleeson who is also a Reds target for 2010.

Wakefield coach John Kear, whose side led 6-4 until Cashmere bulldozed over on the hour, said: "The match typified our season.

"We started with some resolution but in the latter half of the game we went off what we were doing well.

"Errors crept in and the tackling dropped off.

"We have lost a lot of the hunger and desire that has typified Wakefield over the last four years and we want to bring in players with those qualities."

Kear paid tribute to Leo-Latu and Jason Demetriou, who are leaving the Wildcats.

"Tevita is one of the most exciting hookers in the game and Salford have signed a good one.

"Jason has been a leader and the club is in better shape when he leaves than when he arrived. A lot of that is due to his efforts."