Salford Red Devils and Warrington Wolves complete huge swap deal including Hull KR-linked man

Salford Red Devils and Warrington Wolves have completed a major swap deal involving a Hull KR-linked forward.

It was reported on Sunday by Sky Sports that Sam Stone had refused to play for Salford Red Devils and had been ‘rumoured’ to be joining Warrington Wolves, with Paul Rowley confirming post-game that the Australian had refused to play.

He also confirmed that Stone would not train or play again for the Red Devils and Stone’s Salford exit has now been confirmed with the second-rower making a season-long loan move to Warrington Wolves.

Salford have been wary about loaning or selling more players due to the fact they are so short on numbers anyway, so Warrington have sent two players on loan the other way.

Tom Whitehead, who has been linked with a move to Hull KR for 2026, will join on a month-long rolling basis and 2025 signing Dan Russell will make the switch from Wire to Salford for the remainder of the current campaign.

Salford Red Devils loan in two men as Sam Stone exit confirmed

The deal was confirmed by both clubs with a statement from Warrington confirming Stone’s arrival.

It read: “Warrington Wolves are pleaded to announce the loan signing of forward Sam Stone from Salford Red Devils for the remainder of the 2025 season.

“The 27-year-old is in line to make his Wire debut this Saturday afternoon as we take on Huddersfield Giants at The Halliwell Jones Stadium. He will also be eligible to feature in both of our upcoming fixtures against his parent club, Salford, this season.

“Dan Russell will move in the opposite direction, joining Salford on loan for the remainder of the year. Russell is also available for selection when the two clubs meet. Additionally, Tom Whitehead has joined the Red Devils on an initial four-week loan but will not be eligible to play against the Wire during that time.”

Russell’s move to Salford has been confirmed for the remainder of the 2025 season, whilst Whitehead’s move is just for four weeks initially with options beyond that. He also cannot play against his parent club, whereas Russell can.

Salford also shared the news via their social media with the Red Devils gaining two new bodies to replace one who had seemingly confirmed his intent to no longer play.

✅ We are delighted to confirm the double loan capture of Dan Russell and Tom Whitehead from @WarringtonRLFC!

As part of the deal, Sam Stone has joined the Wire on a permanent basis.

— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) June 17, 2025