Salford Red Devils boss speaks out on Deon Cross’ exit after St Helens switch

Salford Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley has had his say on Deon Cross’ switch to St Helens. Cross became the latest man to leave the Red Devils this week with the outside back joining the Saints on a two and a half year contract on Friday.

The move brings an end to his three and a half year stay at the Salford Community Stadium, with the 28-year-old making 92 appearances for the club and scoring 32 tries. It was a drawn out process, though, with Cross failing to report to training as it became clear that his future lied away from the Red Devils.

St Helens moved to clarify that the club have not paid a fee to secure the hometown back and the expectation is that he will be making his debut for the club next Saturday against Leeds Rhinos at Magic Weekend.

Speaking after watching his Salford side fall to a 28-6 loss to Leigh Leopards, Rowley was asked for his thoughts on Cross’ move to the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Salford Red Devils’ Paul Rowley on Deon Cross

“I think the inner workings of the deal are not for me to talk about,” Rowley told the press. “All I know is I look back and I’ve enjoyed working with Deon, I wish him all the best in his future and I’ve had some great times. We’ve laughed together, cried together and he’s moved on now.

“He’s worked hard to become an established Super League player and he’s off to new pastures. That’s what the vulnerability of our club is, it’s there for all to see. This sort of chaos, we can’t get too upset about losing little battles like that, or losing players whatever it looks like.

“We have to just concentrate on what’s next and who we’re working with and that’s what we’re doing. We’ve still got a great group here and I wish him all the best and I hope it works out for him. He’s a fantastic lad and yeah, good luck.”

Cross has become the fifth high profile player to leave the club permanently since the start of March with Marc Sneyd, Brad Singleton, Kallum Watkins and Tim Lafai also departing, while Nene Macdonald has returned to Australia temporarily after a three-week loan at Oldham.