A sixth senior Salford Red Devils player has left the club on a permanent basis with a rival Super League side swooping to sign them.
The Red Devils have seen their squad picked apart this season as they were hammered with a restricted £1.2 million salary cap on account of their financial struggles.
That restricted salary cap still remains in place but Paul Rowley confirmed to the media that they are finally under it, meaning Nene Macdonald can be registered and made available to play when he returns from Australia after heading Down Under for the birth of his child.
Salford moved under the salary cap following the exit of Deon Cross who was signed by St Helens late last week, however, a sixth man has now left meaning the club’s salary cap will decrease even more.
Following reports that he would leave, it’s now been made official with Chris Atkin signing for Castleford Tigers.
Chris Atkin leaves Salford Red Devils for Castleford Tigers
Rowley had been asked about Atkin during his midday press conference when he confirmed the utility was not availale for Magic Weekend and less than an hour later, Salford confirmed his exit with Castleford Tigers announcing the 32-year-old’s arrival.
He becomes the sixth man to permanently leave the Red Devils after Brad Singleton (also Castleford), Marc Sneyd (Warrington Wolves), Tim Lafai (retirement), Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos) and the aforementioned Deon Cross (St Helens).
Atkin joins Cas with immediate effect and could even be available for their game against Wakefield Trinity in the final game of Magic Weekend on Sunday.
A short social media post from the Tigers confirmed the deal, stating: “The Tigers are pleased to announce the acquisition of Chris Atkin from Salford Red Devils.
“The 32-year-old playmaking half-back/hooker joins Castleford with immediate effect.”
As for Salford, they paid tribute to the utility who had spent five years with the Red Devils as the club thanked him for his service and confirmed his exit.
Their statement read: “We can confirm Chris Atkin has joined fellow Betfred Super League side, Castleford Tigers.
“It brings to an end his over five-year association with the Club following a move from Hull KR in late 2019, in time for the 2020 campaign.
“Often dubbed ‘Mr Versatile’ by the Red Devils faithful, Atkin has consistently showed his selflessness to play a multitude of unfamiliar positions for the benefit of the team.
“Across his 110 appearances for the Club, the 32-year-old has won 54 games and scored 17 tries.”
Including in the statement was a comment from the 32-year-old. Atkin said: “It has been an honour to represent this club for so many years.
“Thank you to the fans, players and staff for everything, Salford will always feel like home for me and my family, and hold a special place in our lives.”
“Everyone at the Club would like to thank Chris for his incredible contributions to the Red Devils over his five-year stay and wish him all the best with the rest of his career.”
The Tigers are pleased to announce the acquisition of Chris Atkin from Salford Red Devils.
The 32-year-old playmaking half-back/hooker joins Castleford with immediate effect.Chris Atkin is available to Sponsor
Contact: commercial@castigers.com pic.twitter.com/XrZF6Smtu9— Castleford Tigers (@CTRLFC) April 29, 2025
