Salford Red Devils duo seal exits as Championship side underline Super League intent

Salford Red Devils have lost two more players to Oldham, with the Championship club announcing the signings of Matty Foster and Ethan Ryan this afternoon.

The Roughyeds have already taken on Ryan Brierley and Jack Ormondroyd, while they have also snapped up former Salford loanee Tom Whitehead on a temporary deal from Warrington Wolves. And they have now added to their squad with two more Salford players making the switch across Greater Manchester.

Ryan and Foster have joined up with Oldham on short-term deals until the end of the season with the Roughyeds having just three more regular season games left before they get their play-off campaign underway. Sean Long’s side are currently fourth in the league and six points behind league leaders York Knights.

Ryan had been with Salford since joining the club from Hull KR ahead of the 2024 season, he made 31 appearances for the club, with nine tries coming along the way, including three this year.

Foster joined Salford at a similar time, but made just 19 appearances in red with injuries getting the best of his first year with the club. Foster’s exit will come as a particularly large blow given he is one of Salford’s most used players this season having made 16 outings.

Salford’s troubles have been well-documented and the exits mean the club have now seen 17 players leave this season, with Joe Shorrocks joining Leeds Rhinos earlier this week.

Ethan Ryan and Matty Foster join Salford Red Devils

Speaking to the Red Devils on his departure, Ryan said: “I just want to thank Salford for the past couple of years. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Coming here put a smile back on my face playing rugby.

“It’s really sad to see what’s happened this year, given the squad we had at the start. I’m really hoping all this mess manages to iron itself out and the club can progress moving forward.

“Thank you for making certainly last year one of the most enjoyable of my career.”

Foster added: “I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Salford for the last two years. This club gave me a lifeline after coming off the back of some major injuries.

“The lads, coaches and staff have played a huge part in my development as a young player, and I have really enjoyed working with them over my time at the club.

“A big shoutout to the fans who have given me and all the boys their backing in such a tough situation, rain or shine you always sung the loudest and got behind the lads, I really hope it sorts itself out soon, there are great people at Salford who deserve better and I hope the club can go back to competing on the field.”

And, on his two latest signings, Oldham head coach Long said: “These are two quality signings who will add pace and power to our squad for the run into the playoffs. Ethan is lightning and a great finisher and arrives at a time where we have suffered a couple of injuries out wide.

“Matty is still only young but plays like a seasoned Super League pro so I can’t wait to work with both. A big thanks to Bill (Quinn) and Mike (Ford) for getting these deals over the line.”