SAINTS will get their first taste of the ‘Devilution’ that has taken place at Salford when they tackle a team packed with big names on Thursday (tonight).

There will be plenty of edge to the game, not least because of the number of ex-Saints and Wigan players now in the Red Devils ranks.

And after the much trumpeted Saints pack got a first half ‘touching up’ last week against Hull, prop Alex Walmsley knows that the forwards will be have to be on their mettle against an heavyweight Salford six.

If veteran former England captain Adrian Morley is the Devils hometown standard bearer, then he has real heavyweight back-up in Lama Tasi, Darrell Griffin and Tony Puletua.

The Devils also boast what would have been Wigan’s first choice second row partnership two years ago in Harrison Hansen and Gareth Hock.

But Walmsley is looking forward to taking on that challenge, particularly against old warhorse Morley.

Walmsley said: “As a young lad, Morley was a player that I lookedup to as a front rower.

“If you look at his career he has done everything so you take a lot of inspiration from people like him. He even went to the NRL and did it over there with the Roosters.

“Salford have got some big guys in there and it will be really physical. It is a challenge that this pack is relishing after not getting off to the best of starts against Hull.

“The way we finished that game is what we should take to Salford because we know with the likes of Harrison Hansen and Gareth Hock in there, we are going to be smashed about a bit.

“But that is what you want in a game – a bit of a challenge.”

Walmsley has been treading new ground this season – starting the game rather than coming off the bench. It is something he is getting used to and enjoyed making an impact in his three stints against Hull FC last week.

“I am getting used to it,” he said.

“When I was at Batley I only ever started one game under John Kear, so it is a new challenge for me, but one that I am enjoying. And I am playing more minutes, which is good.

“Browny has tried me there and he wanted me to play in three short stints. I am not going to complain because it gives me more time to recover and allows me to be more explosive.

“When you have got blokes like Kyle Amor doing the hard graft that helps my game too.”