SALFORD Reds are looking forward to making history this month by playing the first ever Rugby League game at the new home of neighbours Leigh.

Reds will travel to the Leigh Sports Village Stadium on Sunday, December 28, for a pre-season friendly against Neil Kelly's team (3pm).

Salford football director Steve Simms, a former Leigh coach, believes the game will be a good work out for both teams ahead of the new season.

Reds forward Luke Adamson agreed, saying: "Our training has been going great but we all want a competitive game and playing Leigh will be ideal.

"I used to play at Leigh East. I have seen the new stadium and it's terrific. Leigh can be very proud of their new home.

"The game will also be a good run-out for us before we go to Jacksonville where we will play Leeds.

"All our lads will welcome a good test. The new players - Ray Cashmere and Jeremy Smith - are certainly looking forward to it. They can't wait."

The new venue in the centre of Leigh is close to the Centurions' former Hilton Park home and Simms is looking forward to renewing rivalries.

"Matches between Salford and Leigh always have a bit of an edge to them and this one coming up promises to be a great occasion," he added.

"It will be a very important day for the Leigh club and it is a honour for us to share it with them and be involved."

Simms believes Salford could surprise a few teams in 2009 on their return to Super League. He is pleased with how the squad is shaping up. He added: "We have a good balance and we have a great deal of competition all across the park.

"We feel we have recruited well, we have some very good players and we also have some talented young players who have come to the fore."

Meanwhile, it's understood Reds will be hoping to attract home gates in the region of 5,000 next year.

Adam Jude, who has joined Reds from the RFL, will head up a marketing campaign in a bid to try and bolster the Reds fan base.