Hunslet hit back at Salford Red Devils over Rugless signing after latest Paul Rowley words

Championship side Hunslet have hit back at Salford Red Devils regarding their signing of Kobe Rugless following Paul Rowley’s latest words.

The Red Devils confirmed the loan signing of Rugless on Thursday evening, announcing that they had signed the Hunslet hooker/loose forward on a two-week loan deal.

Hunslet would then hit back with a statement suggesting that Salford had acted behind their backs to sign Rugless, claiming that the club had no “involvement or consent” in the deal, going further to state that the Red Devils’ position was that “Kobe would join them without a transfer fee, as they could not afford to pay one”.

It’s a very murky situation with the clear suggestion being that Salford ‘tapped up’ Rugless via his agent and tried to stiff-arm the smaller side into accepting a deal. Clearly, the compromise of a loan was sought with Hunslet reminding Salford and any other Super League clubs then they would “welcome a proper discussion that recognised and respects Hunslet’s role in his development”.

Speaking after Salford’s loss to Hull FC on Sunday, Paul Rowley hit back at the suggestions that the Red Devils had acted out of line.

Salford Red Devils underfire again from Championship club over loan signing

Per All Out Rugby League, Rowley labelled Hunslet’s statement as “grossly inaccurate” as he outlined that the conversation between himself and their head coach Dean Muir to be ‘completely different’, even suggesting whoever had penned Hunslet’s statement was too embarrassed to backtrack.

In response to that, Hunslet have now doubled down on their statement in another scathing attack at Salford Red Devils.

Taking to X, Hunslet said: “We stand by the statement in full, the timeline is clear from all correspondence that Salford were discussing taking our player for free on Tuesday without anyone at Hunslet’s knowledge.

“Salford agreed to take our player on Wednesday early morning, again still with no one at Hunslet’s knowledge.

“The Salford head coach called the player and left a voice message for the Hunslet head coach some 12 hours later. At this time, he passed on the player agent details to complete “the deal” which at that time still contemplated our player going to Salford permanently or on loan – for free.

“We appreciate Salford’s kind words that Hunslet acted professionally, proactively and productively to rectify the situation once the club was finally made aware of the deal.”

It’s an extraordinary statement and one that suggests there is more to come. Previously, the RFL had offered a simple statement to Serious About Rugby League regarding Rugless’ loan move.

They said: “The RFL received – and approved – loan forms submitted by Salford and signed by all parties, including Hunslet, on Thursday prior to the noon deadline in the usual way.”