Wigan Warriors star reportedly joins Super League rivals

Salford Red Devils lost star man Brodie Croft to Leeds Rhinos ahead of the 2024 Super League season.

The Red Devils received a club record fee for the former Man of Steel which was around £200,000.

This was part of a double coup from the Rhinos who also signed his Salford teammate Andy Ackers for £100,000 for a combined fee of £300,000.

This has left Salford in need of recruitment. Yes, Chris Atkin is an excellent player but they would severely lack depth.

They have drafted in Leeds centre Nene MacDonald on a four year deal after his release from Headingley but this does little to address the situation around the halves but now according to the Mole of Wide World of Sports, the Red Devils have signed Cade Cust from Wigan Warriors.

The halfback, who can also play at nine, has left Wigan after two years and with an option for a third not being exercised by the Warriors who have now used up their quota spots.

The Red Devils still have a quota spot open and Cust is set to take that as he replaces Croft.

It is still sad for the club to lose Croft. When he left, the club made the following statement:

“Croft provided a phenomenal 32 try contributions in his debut campaign and was a driving force behind our top six finish.

“A nasty head injury sustained in the Eliminator prevented the halfback from competing in our semi-final clash against St Helens, the following week – a game where he could have made a huge difference.

“Despite the disappointment as a collective, Croft was awarded the coveted Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel for his stunning individual season.”

The Red Devils also acknowledged the other honours:

“At the Red Devils’ End of Season awards evening, the Aussie also picked-up the Players’ Player, Coaches’ Player, and Supporters’ Player of the Year accolades.

“Also earning a place in the 2022 Betfred Super League Dream Team, alongside teammates, Ken Sio and Tim Lafai, Croft added the widely respected Albert Goldthorpe Medal to his list of achievements in 2022.

“He continued to show his brilliance in 2023 by so often being the architect of big moments and big tries.

“Showing class and commitment throughout his time at the club, we would like to thank Brodie for his efforts and wish him and his family all the best in their next step.”

This also means the rumours of a move for Jackson Hastings are now over.