New reports that Salford Red Devils could be taken over by an NRL club have emerged and it could mean a possible rebranding.
The financial troubles of Salford have been well-documented, as has the NRL interest in investing in Super League, but the Red Devils have now been specifically highlighted by journalist Michael Chammas.
Chammas appeared on Channel Nine’s 100% Footy Show to reveal that he had heard talks that NRL giants Sydney Roosters could be interested in investing in the Red Devils, potentially relocating them from Salford to Manchester.
He revealed: “Nick Politis (Roosters chairman) and the Sydney Roosters have had some conversations with the NRL and they like the idea (of NRL investing in Super League) to the point where they’ve discussed the possibility that if the NRL do get involved, they want to potentially look at buying a team.
“The team that I am hearing at the moment is that the Roosters are eyeing Salford and looking at potentially rebranding them to the Manchester Roosters if the NRL does take control of the Super League.”
Salford Red Devils investment from NRL could lead to Manchester Roosters rebrand
On top of the possible investment would be a possible move and rebrand with Salford possibly set to move to Manchester which is seen as more commercially viable and marketable.
Chammas explained: “That could have a significant development for the Roosters who have got a team in LA. That wouldn’t be in the same realm as investing in a Super League club and potentially rebranding them.
“I know Salford at the moment are struggling financially and that is the reason (why Roosters are targetting Salford) but also they think because it’s close to Manchester, they potentially have that pathways.”
One of the other panelists on 100% Footy was Canterbury Bulldogs chief Gus Gould and he answered questions about the growing reports of Super League and NRL crossover.
Gould stated: “There have been advances for about 18 months now for Super League clubs to have arrangments with NRL clubs as sister clubs. We’ve been offered by three or four clubs and I’d imagine other clubs have been the same.”
Former Cronulla Sharks enforced Paul Gallen queried if Super League would serve as a better breeding ground for NRL players than the current New South Wales and Queensland Cups, something Gould commented on.
“In some cases for sure,” he responded, adding: “It’s another option but we need to invest in the UK Super League and that means NRL clubs helping that competition grow as well.”
Anonymous
April 28, 2025 at 6:31 pm
Salford to Manchester; bolleaux! It will never fly.
Aussies do your research, before you waste time and money.
Michael
April 28, 2025 at 7:55 pm
Apologies if Im being dumb but I thought that Salford already had buyers in place which was why the RL have o released funds in advance to Salford and to allow the players to be paid late by the club without further sanctions etc to be applied. Or am I missing something??