Salford Red Devils handed points deduction for team selection versus St Helens

Salford Red Devils have been handed a fine and a points deduction for their actions in their opening game of Super League 2025.

The Red Devils fielded a team comprising almost exclusively of academy products as they lost 82-0 to St Helens in their Round One fixture, with that game being broadcast on free-to-air TV for the BBC.

It was an awful look for Super League as Salford, who had learned that the salary cap limitations remained in place despite their takeover being approved, fielding a weakened team.

Salford coach Paul Rowley argued that he had to do it due to the cap restrictions and the fact that he couldn’t name a full senior squad after injuries in the Challenge Cup against Midlands Hurricanes, but the Red Devils have now pleaded guilty to a charge taken up by the RFL.

It’s now been confirmed that they have been deducted two competition points and handed a £5,000, half of which is suspended until 2029. Moreover, because the club have breached operational rules, it means their IMG score will be deducted 0.25 points which further condemns them to the Championship.

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Salford Red Devils handed fine and points deduction

A statement from the RFL confirmed: “Salford Red Devils have been deducted two Betfred Super League competition points for breaching a number of RFL Operational Rules in their team selection for the Round One fixture at St Helens on February 15.

“This is an Agreed Decision, and means Salford’s final points total in the 2025 Betfred Super League table is reduced from 6 to 4. This does not affect their position in the table (12th).

“An Operational Rules Tribunal was scheduled for April 22, on the basis that the club accepted breaches, but were challenging the recommended sanction (a two-point deduction). However, Salford then pleaded not guilty at the Tribunal.

“A further hearing was scheduled for August 26. Salford requested a postponement because of the unavailability of their legal representative.

“Over the last month, the Salford management have accepted that the team chosen for the match was significantly weaker than it needed to be and several First Team players advertised as being unable to play in the aforementioned match were in fact available to be selected. The Club accept that this offence merited a points deduction.

“Salford have also been fined £5,000, half of it suspended until 2029.”