Veivers wants no favours

The 22-year-old full-back has signed a 12-month contract with Salford, where Phil Veivers is head coach, but he knows he will be treated just like any other player - or possibly have it even tougher.

"It's pretty professional between us when we're at work and then away from the club it's just the normal stuff you would do with your dad," said Josh at the Reds' pre-season media day at the new Salford Community Stadium.

"There's certainly no favouritism. If anything, he's probably a bit harder on me. I suppose it's pretty tough for him but he treats me just like any other player.

"He coached me at Wigan when I was coming through the 20s. It's not a new experience but it's one that I'm looking forward to."

Combo

The pair are thought to be the first father-and-son combination to play in Super League.

Australian-born Phil played most of his career with St Helens before the advent of Super League but had a brief spell towards the end of it with Huddersfield when they were elevated to the top flight in 1998.

The signing of Josh and stand-off or loose forward Stuart Howarth, also 22, completes the Salford squad for Super League XVII and adds to Veivers' options.

"I've brought them in to give cover to different positions," he explained.

Both Veivers junior and Howarth came through the ranks at Wigan but made the move to Wakefield 12 months ago for the chance to play Super League.

Wildcats

Josh made 14 appearances for the Wildcats, nine of them in his preferred position at full-back, but he accepts he will be playing second fiddle to Salford's experienced number one, Luke 'General' Patten.

"I played in a few positions last year but full-back is my main one," he said.

"I'm just happy to learn off the General. All experience gained from him will be good for me and, when I get the chance, hopefully I can prove myself in the first team."

Phil Veivers is one of six new head coaches this season but he was in charge for 14 matches in 2011 as caretaker boss when Shaun McRae fell ill and he was promoted into the hot seat when Matt Parish quit after just six matches.

Initially overlooked in favour of Parish, Veivers has no hang-ups about being a second choice and admits his spell in charge last year will work to his advantage.

"There's not many opportunities in the world to be head coach at this level and I'm extremely proud to be given this opportunity," he said. "I'm there now and I've got to make the most of it.

"The players know how I coach, they don't have to work me out."