After weeks of troubles at the Salford Red Devils, the future’s still not looking too bright for the club, especially with its squad.
Following the news of Marc Sneyd’s departure, there’s been plenty of speculation surrounding a number of other players potentially leaving the club.
Tim Lafai and Nene Macdonald are two of those rumoured to be out of the door, with the former returning to Australia per League Express, and the latter being looked at by numerous British clubs, including Leigh Leopards, Castleford Tigers and Oldham, as discussed by head coach Sean Long.
These three players leaving the club might help in terms of financial incentives but it would be a big blow to their playing group.
Following their 26-16 victory over Bradford Bulls on Friday night, assistant coach Kurt Haggerty took over media duties after head coach Paul Rowley was out of action following shoulder surgery earlier in the day.
When asked about Macdonald’s future at the club and whether he’d be leaving, Haggerty said: “It’s a massive fear.”
He was then asked about Lafai and admitted: “I’m not sure.”
Neither of them played against Bradford on Friday night but Lafai was in attendance at the game.
Haggerty was then asked when a decision would be made about the pair and any other players potentially leaving the club, he added: “I don’t know. I’m not sure. We’re hoping to know midweek.”
However, Haggerty and the coaching staff did notice a difference in their players following their win.
He finished: “It’s been a lot, but it’s nice to win tonight. The lads have come off tonight, and it’s almost like their shoulders have dropped with the relief of getting a win.
“Regardless of what week we’ve had, it was nice just to win again.”
Salford CEO Chris Irwin also addressed that the uncertainty around wages has caused the playing group to doubt staying at the club.
He told BBC Radio Manchester earlier in the week: “We’ll fight to keep as many of those players with us as we can.”
The sale of these two players could potentially allow the Red Devils to add other players at the club to their squad but considering they’re still operating with a £1.2 million salary cap, it would give members of their reserve side a chance to step up.
Salford Red Devils next host Huddersfield Giants in Super League on Thursday night.
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CHRIS WRIGHT
March 17, 2025 at 12:07 am
Why is the Rugby league media is loving the problems about Salford? Nothing worse than this click bait crap “serious about rugby league”
Anonymous
March 18, 2025 at 12:45 pm
It’s the Salford fans that the club should be looking out for. There’s not that many of them to start with but there can be no doubt about their loyalty, but that will soon disappear if they keep getting rid of their best players. Latest talk is McDonald on his way to St Helens. Carry on like this and it will be Championship rugby next season; that’s when these so called new owners will disappear.