Tributes paid to three former Salford Red Devils players

Salford Red Devils have paid tribute to three former players who have recently passed away. 

The Red Devils have paid respects with a memoriam for the three players that passed away on the 31st December 2024 and January 2 2025.

The club have paid their condolences to the former players, who sadly died around the New Years.

Ken Gwilliam (1947-2025) 

One of the tributes were paid to Ken Gwilliam, the former fullback sadly passed away on January 2 aged 77.

Ken who was born in 1947,  was signed for the club in May 1967 from Blackbrook (St Helens).

The club has tough competition to sign the youngster, and he  was able to play in the ‘A’ team before debuting in December 1967.

The Salford fullback deputised for the unwell Dave Evans in a 15-3 home win over Widnes and was one of three appearances during the 1967-68 season.

His talents proved worthy as after his debut season, he took over as the first choice full-back in 1968-69 playing in 40 matches.

The impressive season in full-back saw Ken also feature in the Challenge Cup Final against Castleford at Wembley.

However, after the arrival of full-back Paul Charlton in October 1969 it limited Ken’s opportunity – and after 61 appearances he left in 1974 for St Helen’s.

His continued to play for St Helen’s for another five years – and was able to prove his talents appearing in three Premiership Finals and appeared at Wembley once again in 1978.

Gwilliam would go on to play for a number of club, before playing his last career match for Bridgend on January 20 1985.

The former Salford full-back sadly passed away on January 2 2025, aged 77.

John Rawlinson (1954 – 2024) 

Tributes have also been paid to former Salford three-quarter, John Rawlinson who passed away on December 31 2024 at the age of 70.

The former player signed for the Salford Red Devils ahead of the 1974-75 season.

John showed so much promise as a young talent, graduating from the Salford Colts team and represented Great Britain and Lancashire at that level.

And it didn’t take long for John to showcase his talent during that season, making his first team debut on January 5 1975, aged 19.

During the season, John would feature in the team twice more, playing in consecutive fixtures in March against Castleford and Bradford Northern.

Throughout his time at Salford he would struggle to find opportunities in the senior team, but continued to impress in ‘A’ team.

And he would only featured in the squad twice more appearing on the left wing for both legs of the end of season Premiership Trophy semi-final tie with Wakefield Trinity.

However, after the ‘A’ Team was scrapped for 1976-77 due to cost-cutting, John alongside several other reserve players were made available fro transfer.

Rochdale Hornets were quick to capitalise, signing him for £1,000 during August 1976.

Despite only playing for five matches in Salford, he proved to have a worthy career at Rochdale playing 71 times until October 1982.

John Rawlinson had passed away on December 31st, aged 70.

Steve Cross (1963 -2024) 

Salford Red Devils have also paid tribute to Steve Cross who sadly passed away on December 31 2024, aged 62.

Signed for the ‘A’ team from the recommendation of Steve Nash – Steve signed from Langworthy Juniors at the age of 17.

The talented young play was able to quickly rise through the ranks, and within two months was selected for the first team.

Steve was able to play against Barrow, on February 8 1981, his efforts in the first team proved impressive and allowed him to be selected for the home Challenge Cup tie.

The cup tie against Bradford Northern the following week proved that he was unfazed by the pressure.

Steve was able to showcase his talent scoring a try in the victory against Bradford Northern in the 18-15 win.

With his performances showcasing what a talent he could be, being described as ‘the 17-year-old who has made such a big impact in his short spell in the first team’.

However, it was his third fixture on February 22 1981 against Castleford that forever leave fans wondering ‘What if?’

Steve unfortunately sustained a bad ankle injury from which he never fully recovered, effectively ending his very promising career after just three appearances.

A promising youth star, Steve would never play again – he would pass away on December 31 2024 aged 62.