Salford Red Devils announce Kallum Watkins as new captain

Salford Red Devils have today announced that Kallum Watkins will be the club’s new captain heading into the 2023 season.

With former skipper Elijah Taylor having headed into the Championship to link up with Featherstone Rovers there was a void at the captaincy role for the Red Devils and it’s since been filled.

The likes of Adam Sidlow who has joined from Leigh, where he had previously been co-captain, and Marc Sneyd had been in the running but the club have announced that Watkins will take the role on.

Sneyd will have to settle for the role as vice-captain alongside 2022 Man of Steel winner Brodie Croft but 31-year-old Manchester-born Watkins takes the armband.

The club announced the news via their website with the following statement.

“Kallum Watkins has been named Salford Red Devils captain for the 2023 Betfred Super League campaign, with Brodie Croft and Marc Sneyd to continue their role as vice-captains.

“The England international returned from a long-term knee injury earlier last season and enjoyed a stellar campaign. Despite being a natural centre, Watkins’ move to the second-row has added a new dimension to his game and gave Paul Rowley’s side another deadly threat.

“Watkins began his junior career at Salford after playing for his local team, Langworthy Reds. After winning multiple major honours – including six Super League titles – with Leeds Rhinos, he moved back to the Red Devils and instantly became a fan favourite.

“Like the previous campaign, Brodie Croft and Marc Sneyd will continue their roles as vice-captain. Our half-back pairing were in electric form last season, with Sneyd scoring a Super League Club record number of points and Croft becoming only the second player in Salford’s history to win the Man of Steel award.”

On the announcement, Watkins said: “It’s a massive honour and I’m truly grateful to the coaching staff, the team and the Club for giving me this opportunity to be captain. It’s something I’ll take with both hands.

“For me, it’s just about being myself. I’ve got the opportunity to lead the team and now I’ve got to lead by my actions and get the team where they need to be.”

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗯𝗼𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻… 🫡

We're delighted to announce Kallum Watkins has become the new Club captain, with Brodie Croft and Marc Sneyd to continue as vice-captains!

🗞 Tap below for more reaction!

💪 #TogetherStronger | 🔴👹

— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) January 16, 2023

Head Coach, Paul Rowley has also explained why Watkins is the perfect fit. He said: “Choosing the right man to lead our team in 2023 was a process that proved fulfilling and enjoyable.

“Over the last 12 months, our players have developed and matured to the point where we were encouraged to have several options to choose from.

“Our vice-captains will remain the same, as both were fantastic on and off the field last year – and if it’s not broken, then I won’t try to fix it.

“The privilege of leading our group has been given to Kallum Watkins, who is quite simply everything you would want from a leader.

“He drives standards and is held in the upmost respect by his teammates and all our staff. It was a privilege to inform Kal and I’m looking forward to seeing him lead out the team.”