Salford Red Devils given deadline as RFL launch investigation

The RFL have confirmed that they have opened an investigation into Salford Red Devils following their controversial squad selection against St Helens.

Salford were beaten by a Super League record margin of 82 points as the Red Devils lost 82-0 to St Helens on Saturday evening in a game that was aired by the BBC, showcasing the sport in the worst possible way.

The Red Devils, who are currently under a restricted £1.2 million salary cap, named a 17-man squad that was almost exclusively made up of the club’s academy and reserves players, barring three senior figures. That was in spite of Salford playing a far stronger team, which also came under the £1.2 million cap, against Midlands Hurricanes in the Challenge Cup a week prior.

That 17-man squad was then cut to just 16 on matchday and head coach Paul Rowley tried to explain and justify his selection in a lengthy interview with the BBC.

He explained that confusion and miscommunication meant players had been omitted from the squad to face Midlands and further injuries left him unable and unwilling to field a strong squad.

Rowley argued that players would be ‘introduced on the team bus’ if he named a blend of first-team players and reserves, therefore opted to name his younger squad.

Salford Red Devils investigated on whether they’ve brought the sport into disrepute

That decision caused outrage among fans and pundits, as well as those in the game with Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont claiming the decision brought the sport into disrepute.

Now, the RFL have confirmed that a “compliance investigation” regarding the Salford squad selection and the question of whether the Red Devils have brought the sport into disrepute has been launched.

A statement on their site read: “The RFL have today contacted Salford Red Devils to confirm that a compliance investigation will be launched to consider the circumstances around their squad selection for Saturday’s Betfred Super League fixture at St Helens, and whether they have brought the sport into disrepute.

“The club have seven days in which to respond.”

Currently, Salford are still trying to prove that their takeover is all above board in order for them to have the £1.2 million cap lifted but they will now have to balance those RFL communications with this compliance investigation.