Revealed: Which Super League club spends nearly a million less than their rivals

In the 27 seasons of Super League, only four teams have lifted the Super League trophy above their heads.

Those are St Helens, Bradford Bulls, Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos.

Since Bradford’s demise and their last Grand Final win in 2005, St Helens have won the Grand Final six times, Wigan four times and Leeds seven times with no other side able to get their hands on the trophy.

Some have come close though in the shape of big spenders Warrington Wolves, Hull FC and Catalans Dragons.

So, it would seem money is key to success.

But not for Salford Red Devils, who like Castleford Tigers, defied the odds to reach a Grand Final in 2019 with limited spending.

The Red Devils have continued to compete since then despite not having the financial backing of others.

Salford, played in a Challenge Cup Final in 2020 and were just 80 minutes away from another Grand Final in 2022.

What makes this all the more impressive is that according to Roar, the Red Devils do not spend anywhere near up to the salary cap.

In fact, because of the marquee player rule which enables clubs to spend huge amounts on star players not included on the cap, in some cases the Red Devils are spending around a million dollars less than their rivals according to Roar which is £555,000.

A lot of this has been down to Ian Blease and his ability to sniff out a star signing who had been written off at his former club such as eventual Wigan Warriors star and Man of Steel Jackson Hastings as well as current players Brodie Croft and Tim Lafai.