Hunte hails Noble appointment

Alan Hunte backed Brian Noble's appointment as the new Salford boss after ending his spell in caretaker charge with a 24-18 defeat to Hull.

Owner Marwan Koukash named Noble as Phil Veivers' successor before the match and the ex Bradford, Wigan, Crusaders and Great Britain coach will be officially unveiled at a press conference on Tuesday. Hunte will now go back to his job as Reds youth boss after seven matches in temporary charge.

"I've known Brian was a strong contender from day one and my role has not changed," said Hunte. "Brian is a great choice and his pedigree speaks for itself."

He went on: "He has coached two top Super League clubs and took Crusaders further than anyone imagined.

"He's a good bloke too and we are all looking forward to the challenge ahead.

"I'm looking forward to working with a world class coach."

Richard Whiting scored two of Hull's four tries before going off with a leg injury which provides another headache for coach Peter Gentle who was missing eight regulars today.

"You can't put young heads on old shoulders but the youngsters did well," said Gentle. "The intensity and desire was there and it was never going to be pretty with such a strong wind.

"We are clawing our way up the ladder although our kicking was not exceptionally good.

"Richard Whiting is a tidy footballer and Danny Houghton was again exceptional. I don't care how we pick up points and this was always going to be tough."