Oliver Roberts will remain a player at Salford Red Devils for the 2021 season as the club announce his loan from Huddersfield Giants has been extended into next year.
The 25-year-old joined Salford in February and was thrown straight into Ian Watson’s matchday squad in the Super League clash with Leeds Rhinos, in which he came on to make his debut at the AJ Bell Stadium.
The Irish international has put on some impressive displays during his short time with the Red Devils, playing particularly well in Salford’s last league game, a hard-fought victory over rivals Wigan Warriors.
Speaking on the extension, Roberts said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Salford, so this was a no-brainer.
“I felt that things had really come into place in that final week before lockdown and having more time to gel with the team and the coaching staff will only mean things improve further.
“Getting secured and knowing where I’m going to be next year means I can really concentrate on making sure I have that starting shirt”.
Salford came from behind to topple Wigan at home in the Super League in March, and the 25-year-old wants more exciting clashes like that when rugby returns.
“The club felt very united in that last game we had. The boys, the staff and the fans – it was fantastic.
“I want to build on that and be part of more of those nights.”
Head coach Ian Watson is happy to have more time to work with Roberts, and said: “Ollie’s been a key addition to us in 2020.
“He brought to Salford a great determination to work hard to be a starting Super League back-rower, so we’re delighted to have him with us for the next season.
“His defensive work made us a lot stronger as a team and as an attacker he was just starting to find his feet in our structure.
“With this signing, we have time to develop his style into our team further, where we will see Ollie get better and better and fulfil the potential I know he has.”
Only a week into his arrival at the AJ Bell, Roberts was already calling Salford home, and Director of Rugby and operations Ian Blease is pleased to see the back-rower pledge another season to the Reds.
Blease added: “Ollie’s enjoyed his time so far with the Red Devils in 2020 and was keen to stay longer term with us again, so I’m delighted we’ve been able to facilitate the extension into 2021, for both him and our club.
“Ollie will again strengthen our pack and has a tremendous attitude. Everyday he comes into training and tells me how much he enjoys working with our backroom team.
“Thank you to Richard Thewlis and the Giants for their cooperation on this deal.”
The news comes after Andy Ackers joined Salford from Toronto Wolfpack recently, along with both Luke Yates and club captain Lee Mossop also extending their contracts with the Red Devils.
Image credit: Salford Red Devils
Recent Comments