Former Salford Red Devils owner Marwan Koukash could return to rugby league

There is one man’s name that will forever be remembered in the sport of rugby league and that is Dr Marwan Koukash.

Having entered into rugby league in a blaze of glory back in 2013, Koukash set Super League alight with his fiery nature, blank chequebook and determination to own the best team in the land.

In a busy first year in charge, the Palestine-born billionaire signed the likes of Rangi Chase, Gareth Hock and Harrison Hansen with coaches such as Brian Noble, Iestyn Harris and Ian Watson involved during his tenure.

Of course, everyone knows what happened to Koukash and Salford and the outspoken racehorse owner sold his share of the Super League club in January 2018 to Salford RD Holdings after failing to propel the Red Devils to glory.

The Rugby Football League (RFL) approved the deal which saw ownership pass to the consortium of long-standing supporters of the club: Andrew Rosler, owner of Ideal Corporate Solutions Limited, Asif Latief, marketing director at A-Plant, Hannah Fendall, senior associate at Williamson & Croft LLP, and Dawn Fidler, founder and CEO of The Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity.

Despite Koukash’s exit, the 63-year-old has been an avid observer of the game, regularly being seen with Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont whilst continuing to flirt with the idea of a potential investment in Bradford Bulls.

The Bulls themselves have been in the doldrums on and off the field recently with a recent fans’ forum highlighting chairman Nigel Wood and chief executive Jason Hirst’s willingness to sell the club if the right offer comes along.

“We’d absolutely be open to investors. We’d welcome a stronger management team in terms of additional value, be that monetary or otherwise,” Hirst told the Telegraph and Argus at the fans’ forum.

Could a potential investment in Bradford ever occur? Naturally, Koukash’s focus has been on his horses and why not? He is one of the most successful in the country, but regularly talks about his love for rugby league.

A tremendous character, emotional figure and someone with plenty of money to invest in the sport, the former Salford owner would be a potential saviour to many clubs – and he would certainly take Bradford to the next level if given the opportunity.