Salford Red Devils boss gives update on latest player not to report to training

Salford Red Devils boss Paul Rowley has provided an update on the latest player who has failed to report to training, amidst interest from rival Super League clubs.

The Red Devils head to France this weekend to face Catalans Dragons in Rivals Round, something that Rowley would joke about as he labelled the French side as “our good old rivals”, stating that the Rivals Round is a good concept, providing you have rivals.

It’s a return to the venue where his side were knocked out of the Challenge Cup quarter-finals just two weeks ago but that defeat only came by a narrow margin so his side will fancy their chances.

Of course, they will still have a heavily depleted squad as injuries and the restricted salary cap continues to “crunch” the Red Devils, in the words of their head coach.

They will be boosted by two fresh loan signings with Jake Thewlis and Harvey Makin both joining on short-term deals, however, one key man doesn’t look likely to play as Rowley gave an update on one of those who is refusing to train.

Salford Red Devils boss gives Deon Cross update

That man is Deon Cross, the outside back who has been the subject of reported interest from St Helens.

Amidst that reported interest, Cross did not play in Round Seven despite being named in the 21-man squad and completing the team run.

When asked if there was an update on Cross, the Salford Red Devils boss told the media: “Not really, not seen him since after team run.

“I would have loved him to turn up and put his hand up for this week but I’m not sure what the state of play is with that one, so you’d have to ask Chris (Irwin, CEO).”

That saw Rowley asked if Cross remained a Salford player, something he clarified by stating: “He’s a Salford player, so we have no intention of giving away our assets that we’ve got signed up for next year as well. He’s a Salford player.”

Further clarification was added as well when it was confirmed that Salford have had training sessions since that team run last week, with Rowley revealing that the St Helens-born back has not turned up, casting a major doubt over his Red Devils future.

Rowley said: “We had a game and he didn’t partake and we’ve had today’s session and he’s not been here either.”

Prop forward, Harvey Makin has joined the Club on a month-long loan from Wigan Warriors 🔄

Welcome to Salford, Harvey! 👹

— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) April 15, 2025