The countdown to kick off on the 2024 Super League season is fast approaching, and the Salford Red Devils are still on the hunt for new players.
Financial worries off the pitch led to a difficult off season, with the sales of star players Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers to Leeds Rhinos to keep the club afloat.
Yesterday brought another blow to Paul Rowley’s pre-season plans with the release of top-scorer Ken Sio on compassionate grounds.
Whilst the recruitment so far has been good enough to secure the first-team quality needed to challenge in the league, the lack of depth will be a cause for concern should any injuries happen during the campaign.
78 tries in just 104 appearances! 👏
Revisit some of Kenny’s best tries at Salford Red Devils by clicking below.
— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) December 5, 2023
There are only 25 players in the squad as it stands, with the Red Devils coaching staff undoubtedly looking to fill the hole the departure of Sio will bring, as well as securing extra players for cover.
Replacing the top scorer of the Reds’ last three seasons is a tough ask, but the signings of Ethan Ryan and Nene Macdonald would hopefully be enough, alongside a new option on the wing. Furthermore, Joe Burgess remains at the club, who will look to return to his 2022 form of 16 tries to stem the blow of the loss of the Tongan.
Whilst the departure of a much-loved icon will sting for fans, it does open up a quota spot for Salford, allowing the club to look overseas for new signings.
December is a difficult period for signings with most players already penning new deals or finding new clubs, so the pool for talent is unfortunately narrowing for the Red Devils.
Free Agents will be eager to get a chance with a Super League club, as will players who left Featherstone Rovers following their Championship final loss to London Broncos hoping they would have been promoted in 2023.
Further issues arise due to the perilous situation off the pitch, with the club being put into special measures, meaning the Rugby Football League will screen any new contracts the club want to sign before approval.
With positive updates coming from the stadium situation, and the majority of the signings Paul Rowley wanted already secured, Salford are still looking good and ready to challenge come kick off at Headingley in Round One this February.
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