Salford have enjoyed success over the last few seasons. Consecutive major final appearances have characterised the best period in Salford’s Super League history.
In the wake of Marwan Koukash’s departure the club has changed philosophy and stopped signing foreign stars and started building up British talents including academy products like Niall Evalds. And one of their newest academy products has signed a new deal.
The Red Devils announced on Twitter tonight that Connor Aspey has been awarded a one year contract. The club sited his efforts over recent months as the reason the hooker was given a new deal just weeks ahead of Super League’s return which sees Salford begin the campaign in a rematch of the 2019 Grand Final against St Helens at Headingley followed by a clash with Hull FC at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
The 18-year-old made his Salford debut last season against Hull KR as the majority of the first team squad prepared for the Challenge Cup Final four days later. He started on the bench as the replacement hooker and such a role could suit him in the future and perhaps over the course of 2021. This month he was awarded a place in Salford’s first team squad ahead of the new season. He was given the number 30 jersey and won’t be too far behind in the pecking order for the acting half role.
With another season likely affected by the ongoing pandemic, some short turnarounds could come about during the course of the campaign. Meanwhile, the England-Exiles mid-season test match is also set to take place alongside a round of Super League fixtures. All of this means the youngster could be afforded more opportunities in 2021.
Salford are starting another new chapter this season due to the departure of Ian Watson. Meanwhile, star Niall Evalds has moved onto pastures new at Castleford. It’s another new dawn but the Red Devils still boast plenty of talent. And perhaps this new beginning will grant Aspey and other youngsters the opportunities they need to become certified Super League players.
