SALFORD Reds are set to confirm they will play Super League champions, Leeds Rhinos, in Florida in January.

The groundbreaking clash will take place at the Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville as part of the two clubs' pre-season preparations.

Salford football director Steve Simms said: "There has been a lot of communication and correspondence between ourselves and Leeds and we think it's a great idea.

"It will be an extremely worthwhile exercise in preparation for the forthcoming Super League season.

"The game should generate a considerable amount of interest. It will be something of a first for the Super League.

"The stadium is superb and the conditions will be ideal. It will be a great workout for both clubs."

Meanwhile, Simms has revealed he is using the Rugby League World Cup in Australia to identify future targets for the City Reds.

He has been greatly impressed with a number of players representing Papua New Guinea. A number of Tongan stars have also caught his eye.

He said: "Papua did very well in their opening game and a number of players greatly impressed me. A lot of the better players are already signed up by the NRL clubs but there is always somebody who will come to the fore and impress.

"We are just about done now in terms of our squad size for the coming season but you are always on the lookout for potential targets.

"I have been impressed with the World Cup so far, the games have been close and the standard has been good.

"Some of the teams are possibly a little underdone but they are going to become even stronger as the tournament unfolds.

"I'm looking forward to the match between England and Australia, a tough game is on the cards, it could be close but I'm sure England will play a lot better than they did against Papua."

Salford resume pre-season training next month. Scott Naylor will again act as Shaun McRae's assistant. Andy Haigh stays on as the club's strength and conditioning coach.

Alan Hunte is frontrunner to be appointed the club's new youth development director.

Reds will also be working closely with Salford University to further develop the sports science aspect of modern professional rugby league.

OLDHAM have taken next season's squad to 18 players following the signing of experienced stand-off Neil Roden.

The 28-year-old has had two spells with the Roughyeds.

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