Salford Red Devils have released a statement to reveal the reasons behind Kallum Watkins’ exit and return to Leeds Rhinos, admitting the move was necessary in order to protect the club’s “long-term future”.
Reports of Watkins leaving Salford started earlier in the year when it was first revealed that the Red Devils would likely have to sell players on account of their financial worries.
Three players did leave in Marc Sneyd, Brad Singleton and Tim Lafai but Watkins remained, however, exit talk sparked again when he didn’t play against Wigan Warriors, with the second-rower reported to be one of those who refused to play.
Serious About Rugby League reported then that Leeds Rhinos had made a play but that the Red Devils knocked back the deal, whilst a report this morning confirmed that the Headingley club would make another play.
Hours after that, Watkins’ exit was confirmed with Leeds announcing his arrival and Salford confirming his leave and it’s the Red Devils’ statement that is most interesting.
Salford Red Devils speak out over Kallum Watkins exit
The Red Devils are still operating under a restricted salary cap of £1.2 million but they will have freed up funds with the exit of Watkins and that has allowed them to register both Sam Davis and Ben Hellewell, both of whom had previously been ‘over the cap’.
Both men have been named in their 21-man squad to face Leeds Rhinos on Thursday with that squad news confirmed shortly after the confirmation of Watkins’ exit.
Announcing Watkins’ exit, Salford stated: “We can confirm Kallum Watkins has joined fellow Betfred Super League side, Leeds Rhinos for an undisclosed transfer fee.”
They would also reveal that the move was necessary to protect the club’s “long-term future”, admitting that there is still no confirmed date for when the funding from their takeover will land.
They explained: “Due to the Club awaiting investor funding, and without a confirmed date for when that transaction will be complete, as well as Kallum’s request to leave the Club, we will now need to make decisions accordingly to protect our long-term future.”
Having captained the club since 2023, Watkins spoke on his exit: “I’d just like to say a massive thank you to all the supporters; the love and support that they have shown over the years has been incredible. Salford is and always will be in my heart.
“A massive thank you to Rowls, Haggs, Krissy and all the staff – it’s been amazing to work with them. They brought back the love of the game for me.
“Also my teammates, it’s been an incredible journey with this group, so many great memories and moments we’ve had as a group, it’s been an honour to lead the team.
“I wish everyone at the Club the best, I hope everything gets resolved, so everyone can move on from this and enjoy the future at the Club.”
