Salford Red Devils exploring all avenues with club desperate for signings

Salford Red Devils are one of just a few Super League sides with a remaining quota spot and it’s expected that they will be making a signing in the coming weeks.

That comes as a result of the Red Devils having lost several key players due to circumstances beyond their control such as the departure of Ken Sio, the winger returning home on compassionate grounds.

Salford’s other starting winger Joe Burgess was subject to a disciplinary matter which then saw him released, allowing Hull KR to sign the ex-Wigan Warriors man.

Paul Rowley’s side also had their star spine players picked off by Leeds Rhinos who landed the double coup of Andy Ackers and Brodie Croft, meaning four of Salford’s star players have left ahead of the 2024 season.

It’s not all been departures though with the club bringing in Wigan duo Cade Cust and Joe Shorrocks, whilst utility Joe Mellor has arrived from Leigh Leopards.

Nene Macdonald will be asked to contribute plenty of tries following the loss of Sio and Burgess, as will new winger Ethan Ryan who arrives from Hull KR.

Despite making eight signings it is expected that Salford will make big efforts to flesh out their squad with imminent signings.

Salford Red Devils cast wide net for new signings

Paul Rowley has made no bones about the need to bring in players, even revealing to Rugby League Live recently that the club were actively in the market and looking for players.

Serious About Rugby League now understands this to be true with the club considering a number of options including the Championship, from which they have already signed Chris Hankinson, as well as both the New South Wales and Queensland Cup.

Relaxed visa rulings have ensured that players from both the NSW and Queensland Cup are easier to recruit which has effectively doubled the payer pool down under that Super League sides can target.

That’s already been exploited by Wakefield Trinity who signed Isaiah Vagana with the 23-year-old arriving in England ahead of Trin’s Championship campaign.

With a quota spot available Salford will almost certainly be looking at those markets but they are still searching domestically it’s believed.

With just 24 players contracted the Red Devils are incredibly thin on squad depth, something that could prove to be a huge issue given the wear and tear of a Super League season.

At this late hour in the off-season it’s unclear how much quality is left on the market but the Red Devils are exploring all avenues to make moves and flesh out their squad, with their available quota spot also a big factor.

They are just one of two Super League sides with a quota spot available, the other being London Broncos, with St Helens recently filling their final spot after signing centre Waqa Blake.

It’s also noted that Salford are one of the only sides yet to confirm their squad numbers for 2024 which could be a hint that they’re close to a signing, and holding off on the announcement until all recruitment is done and dusted.

Either way it looks set to be a difficult season for Salford Red Devils, one of the club’s biggest saving graces has been the retention of Ryan Brierley who extended his contract at the club in the off-season.