Salford Red Devils have seen one of their overseas stars depart the club and sign with a Championship side for the 2025 campaign.
It has been confirmed recently that the Red Devils have suffered cash flow problems in relation to Council funds, leading to them requesting and receiving £500,000 of their central funding money in advance.
Prior to that, reports from Rugby League Live had suggested that some rival Super League sides had queried Salford’s recruitment with French prop Justin Sangare being announced as a new signing shortly before the club’s first contact with the RFL over their financial woes.
Further reports have suggested that players could be sold to free up funds with Serious About RL reporting yesterday that Leigh Leopards are believed to be admirers of last year’s Man of Steel nominee Marc Sneyd.
Now, it has been confirmed that one overseas forward has departed the club and been signed to a one-year deal with an ambitious Championship outfit.
Salford Red Devils forward King Vuniyayawa signs with new club
Credit: John Clifton/SWpix.com
That man is former Leeds Rhinos prop King Vuniyayawa with Featherstone Rovers announcing that the Fijian has signed a one-year deal at Post Office Road.
The prop forward spent part of last season on loan with Hull FC before suffering a season-ending injury but after Salford signed props Joe Bullock, Chris Hill and Justin Sangare, Vuniyayawa’s time with the Red Devils has come to a close.
Confirming his arrival, Featherstone Rovers announced: “Featherstone Rovers can confirm that experienced forward King Vuniyayawa will join the Blue Wall ahead of the 2025 season on a one year deal.
“The 29 year old middle makes the move to Post Office Road on a permanent contract from Super League side Salford to add more fire power to Featherstone pack.”
He becomes the latest Super League addition to Rovers’ side with the likes of Carlos Tuimavave, Derrell Olpherts and Ben Reynolds all signed on for 2025.
Speaking on the move, Vuniyayawa said: “I’m really pleased to sign with Featherstone. It’s an ambitious club with an exciting squad building and one I want to be a part of.
“I had a bit of a disrupted season last year, so I’m determined to rip in to training and get back out on the field and have an impact week in, week out.
“Fev is a club that can definitely push for honours next year, I can’t wait for the season to start already.”
Head Coach James Ford added: “King is a really talented middle and one that will bring so much to our organisation.
“He’s powerful, mobile and extremely hard working and will add some real quality to our forward pack, he’s an excellent addition.
“He’s proven himself at the highest level of the game over the last few years and we can’t wait to see him run out in a Featherstone jersey in 2025.”
Vuniyayawa’s exit means that Salford Red Devils do now have a free overseas quota spot but given their aforementioned financial situation, they likely will not fill it.
