Brodie Croft explains why he joined Leeds Rhinos from Salford Red Devils

Leeds Rhinos have made many major signings ahead of the new Super League season but the biggest is undoubtedly former Man of Steel Brodie Croft.

Croft joined Leeds alongside teammate Andy Ackers for the 2024 season for a combined fee of £300,000.

Now Croft has revealed the thought process behind the move. He said: “It didn’t happen overnight and there were days when I was thinking I’d stay at Salford, then the next day I’d wake up and think [I’ll go to] Leeds.

“When it came to it I felt the pros of coming to Leeds outweighed the cons of staying at Salford. I made the decision for my family and my career and it’s exciting what we can do here with this squad.”

“I was quite settled at Salford, I had just bought a house in Worsley and I loved the playing group and the coaches there. The prospect of leaving was a bit daunting and I didn’t know what to think of it at the time.

“There was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing and writing down the pros and cons of both Salford and Leeds. Both myself and my family, my future career – a lot of thought went into it. It didn’t happen overnight, that’s for sure. But at the end of the day I made the best decision I felt at the time for my family, myself and my career. And it really excited me, the prospect of this Leeds squad and the capabilities I am looking forward to hopefully fulfilling.”

Leeds Rhinos star croft still feels for Salford

Croft also revealed that he still feels for Salford but his focus will be on beating them come Round One:

“Yes, certainly. I’ve got a good relationship with the boys and Rowls so it was an extremely tough decision to leave, because of the people there. I loved playing with that group and the coaches there.

“When I do see all the stuff coming out about players leaving, it does hurt a bit, but in the same breath we are on to Leeds now and that’s where my mindset’s at. I am still good mates with all the people there and got good relationships with them and can’t wait to catch up with them after the game. But for the 80 minutes, I am sure we’ll be trying to rip each other’s heads off.”

Croft also revealed how long he was in negotiations with Leeds:

“It was at least a couple of weeks and it probably felt like longer than that. It was a long, drawn-out process.

“But when Leeds came up, a huge club like Leeds that has had so much success in the past and with the calibre of players they have and the coaches here, it really excited me, so I made my decision.”