By Martin Morgan

Last updated 10:54, Saturday, 27 September 2008

SALFORD will sign off from NL1 with a Grand Final win over Welsh rivals Celtic Crusaders at Warrington tomorrow, predicts Whitehaven boss Ged Stokes.

Haven’s season came to an end at Salford last week, just 80 minutes from the club’s third Grand Final in five years.

And Stokes believes they will be too strong for Celtic, beaten home and away by Haven this season but shock winners at Salford last time out.

He said: “Salford played very poorly last time, and Celtic took their opportunities. But I don’t think that’s any indication that they’ll win this game.

“Both are full-time, but Salford are more used to it. Celtic have a bunch of players who are coming off being part-time. From a coaching perspective, that is massive.

“They are probably equal in the key positions, but Celtic are reasonably easy to defend against, whereas Salford have options all over the park.

“Salford’s game against us last week will have done their confidence no harm, while Celtic have had a break, giving them time to think about the final.”

Stokes foresees a potential problem for the City Reds if powerful prop Phil Leuluai misses out.

“His shoulder’s not very good, and if he doesn’t play he’ll be a loss, as he’s a big player for them,” the coach added.

Salford coach Shaun McRae, a former Challenge Cup and Super League winner, said: “I’ve said all year that these are the two best teams in the competition. When we’ve playedthe Celtic Crusaders they’ve definitely been the best side we’ve faced all year.”

Former Workington Town forward Gareth Dean is Celtic’s only injury concern.