Tag: Interview

CUST: “IT’S BEEN AN EASY TRANSITION!”

Posted on by Harry Siddall

Cade Cust says he has enjoyed his first full week as a Salford Red Devils player.

The Aussie signed for the club after a two-year stint at Wigan Warriors, signing a one-year deal, with the option to extend his stay by a further season.

A powerful halfback, Cust will be hoping to kick-on his career with some regular game time, under the tutelage of Paul Rowley.

Speaking to our YouTube channel, Cust was asked what abilities he will be bringing to the squad during 2024.

“Definitely a running game,” he began.

“I think I’m a powerful six, so hopefully I can play plenty of games, stay on the pitch and get plenty of wins for the club – I’m really looking forward to it.

“One of the main things for me is playing consistent, week in, week out and putting points on the board.”

On his first week as a whole, the 25-year-old said: “It’s been very enjoyable.

“First week is obviously the hardest, so I feel like I’ve fit in really well with the players and the coaching staff.”

Cust has joined a very close-nit group; a bond that’s powered the team to some famous victories over the last 24 months.

“It’s been perfect,” he continued when discussing the group dynamic.

“Everyone has welcomed me and it’s been an easy transition. I knew a few boys from Wigan and a couple of the Aussie’s I get along really well with!”

To hear our full, first interview with Cade, click HERE to head to our YouTube channel – make sure to subscribe.

SHORROCKS: “YOU’LL GET 100% FROM ME, EVERY GAME!”

Posted on by Harry Siddall

Joe Shorrocks has described why his transfer to Salford Red Devils is a pivotal one in his career, whilst also providing a preview of what we can expect to see from fellow new addition, Cade Cust.

The 23-year-old has completed a move from Wigan Warriors, on a three-year deal and has already got pre-season preparations underway with his new teammates.

“I think it is a moment where I can kick-on, I need to kick-on,” Shorrocks said to our YouTube channel when asked where he feels his game is at, right now.

“Getting some regular game time in one position will really help me and my progress in my career.”

Shorrocks is a natural loose forward, but is also versatile across a range of positions in the front row.

Perhaps typical of a Paul Rowley player, alongside all that grit and determination, Shorrocks believes he has a bit of skill with ball in hand.

He stated: “I think I bring ball-playing ability in the middle.

“A lot of effort; you’ll get 100% from me, every game, a bit of smarts. Obviously, I need to improve in certain areas, but they’re the main things I think I can bring.”

He’ll now be sharing a dressing room with a few familiar faces. Two of which he consulted when Salford’s interest arrived earlier this month.

“Yeah, I spoke to Cade after he just signed. And then when I was in the process of agreeing a deal, I spoke to Singo on the phone, so I had a few good conversations with them boys.”

On Cust, who penned a one-year deal at the Salford Stadium not long ago, Shorrocks believes he his a player who can make a real difference, in such a crucial position.

“He’s going to bring some organisation.

“He’s got a good kicking game; you need to be smart playing in the halves, so he’ll bring a lot of that – and hopefully some tries!”

To hear our full conversation with Joe, head over to YouTube HERE.

BRIERLEY: “NO PLACE I’D RATHER BE!”

Posted on by Harry Siddall

Ryan Brierley couldn’t hide his delight after penning another three-year contract at his boyhood club.

From the stands to under the sticks, the remarkable rise of one of our own continues.

After enjoying what was likely the best season of his professional career in 2023, Brierley has put any speculation to bed with this new long-term deal.

Finally becoming a red in 2022, the fullback quickly established himself as the club’s number one and hasn’t looked back since.

He has made a name as one of the best support players in the competition. He is so often at the heart of our best attacking displays, but Brierley’s defensive game has also been a major standout during 2023.

Speaking exclusively to our YouTube channel, Brierley was thrilled to finally confirm his stay.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time since I joined the club and – hopefully – we can get a few more players over the line to add to an already decent team, and improve on last year, which is the main thing.

“This team needs success over the next couple of years and hopefully I can be influential to that.”

“All my family are buzzing – they all get a couple more free tickets don’t they,” Brierley joked when asked how his family feel about extending his stay.

“I’ve made no secret about it, the people who come to the games are my people. Obviously my family are really proud and seeing them in the stands every week is pretty special.

“There’s no place I’d rather be!”

His connection to Salford Red Devils is perhaps deeper than anyone in the current squad. Brierley has mentioned in the past how his dad used to take him to our old ground, the Willows and sit in the famous Shed End.

“My brother text me something similar because we used to go to the games together when we was younger,” he responded when asked about playing for his boyhood club.

“It probably hasn’t really sunk in yet. It will probably be when I finish my career, one of the proudest moments knowing I’ve fulfilled a dream.

“To extend my stay is brilliant, but just to play one game was pretty special for me and my family, so no-one can take that away from me.

“That was my dream as a kid and it’s definitely a dream fulfilled, so it’s nice to extend the stay a bit longer!”

To hear our full chat with Ryan on a number of topics, click HERE.

MORGAN: “HIS BEST ASSETS ARE PROBABLY THE ONES I NEED TO LEARN.”

Posted on by Harry Siddall

Kai Morgan says he can’t wait to pick the brains of fellow halfback, Marc Sneyd in pre-season.

After putting pen to paper on a one-year deal, the 19-year-old sat down with our YouTube channel to discuss his aspirations, what he expects from 2024 and much, much more.

Looking ahead to the season, Morgan believes working in the first-team environment will be a fresh challenge for his young career.

Morgan was the goal-kicker for Leeds Rhinos’ reserves side last season; so, combine that attribute with his preferred position, and there is certainly no better player for him to study than Marc Sneyd.

A two-time Lance Todd Trophy winner, our number seven has been a consistent performer with the boot since his return to the club in 2022.

Morgan believes he needs to mirror all of Sneyd’s best attributes if he is to enjoy a successful career in the Betfred Super League.

“I’m excited,” Morgan began.

“His best assets are probably the ones I need to learn, so hopefully he can improve my game and I get to learn a lot from him.”

Morgan is definitely not here to just make up the numbers – he wants to make an impression.

“Definitely competitive,” he said when asked to describe his skillset.

“I don’t like losing at all and I’m pretty nippy, got a bit of skill in me as well, so hopefully I can show that in pre-season.”

Joining Nene Macdonald, Ethan Ryan and Matty Foster through the doors of the Salford Stadium, this young lad is certainly one to watch in 2024.

Hear our full chat with Kai by heading to our YouTube channel HERE!

MORGAN: “I CAN’T WAIT TO TEST MYSELF!”

Posted on by Harry Siddall

Kai Morgan is excited for his new challenge at Salford Red Devils.

The halfback joins the club after successfully progressing through the academy set-up at Leeds Rhinos and will be part of Paul Rowley’s first-team squad during pre-season.

Making the step-up to reserve grade in 2023, Morgan was part of the Rhinos side who beat Salford on the Community Field in mid-July – a game where our Head Coach was in attendance.

Speaking exclusively to our YouTube channel, the 19-year-old has revealed that a conversation held that day certainly changed his thinking.

“Rowls has been good with me,” he said.

“I actually spoke to him when I played against the reserves here and he definitely intrigued me to join the club.

“All the lads that I’ve spoken to have said he’s a great bloke, so I can’t wait to work under him!”

It’s a big step-up for Morgan, who has yet to make a senior appearance in his fledgling career.

He says being a part of the first-team environment will be a huge boost for his game and he can’t wait to get into pre-season training with the senior players.

“It’s exciting. It’s definitely a challenge for me and I can’t wait to test myself,” Morgan continued.

“I really like the way they play, so hopefully my game can add to that.

“Being in a full-time environment. I’m still only 19, so I’ve got a long way to go, but it’s a big test for me. I need all I can out of pre-season and hopefully learn from the better players.”

See our full chat with Kai by heading to our YouTube channel HERE!

FOSTER: “I’M OVER THE MOON TO BE HERE!”

Posted on by Harry Siddall

Matty Foster says he is ‘over the moon’ to be joining Salford Red Devils.

The back-rower will link-up with his new teammates ahead of the 2024 season and becomes our third signing of the window, following Nene Macdonald and Ethan Ryan into the club.

Showing signs of real promise at Saints, Foster will look to continue his development under the guidance of Paul Rowley – someone he credits as a major influence in his decision to make the journey down the M62.

Speaking exclusively to our YouTube channel, he said: “I’m over the moon to be here.

“When Rowls approached me it was a real eye-opener to what I could be achieving in Super League next year.”

“With the knocks I’ve had over the last few years, game time is what I want; and after speaking to Rowley, it’s apparent I would get a bit more game time here than I would at Saints, so it just felt right for me to come.”

Over the last few years, Foster has struggled for fitness with a string of nasty injuries, but he is looking to put all that behind him in 2024.

When asked if he feels ready to push-on with his development, the 22-year-old said: “That’s the plan anyway.

“I just want to be back playing. I want to be playing rugby, that’s what I want to do.”

Enjoying a brief loan spell with Swinton Lions at the back-end of 2023, Foster has reintegrated himself back into some match action, but will be hoping for a injury-free pre-season to fully find his rhythm.

To watch the full chat with our latest edition, click HERE to head to our YouTube channel – make sure to subscribe!

RYAN: “I PRIDE MYSELF ON THE LITTLE EFFORTS!”

Posted on by Harry Siddall

New signing, Ethan Ryan has provided an insight into what Salford Red Devils supporters can expect to see from him on the field.

Signing a three-year deal, the 27-year-old will add some serious quality and versatility to Paul Rowley’s squad for 2024 and beyond.

Becoming a real try scoring threat during his time with Bradford Bulls and Hull KR, the Ireland international will be hoping to continue his promising development at the Salford Stadium.

“I pride myself on the little efforts that probably go unnoticed sometimes,” Ryan said, speaking exclusively to our YouTube channel.

“Obviously I can play wing, fullback, so I can add a lot in attack – try scoring and that sort of ability.

“But I think just the little one percenters and helping out the team in little ways that I can all over the field – that’s what you’ll notice from me.”

His stats make for exciting reading.

After scoring 88 tries in just 98 appearances at the Bulls, Ryan notched a further 22 in his four years at KR.

Injuries certainly hampered his last campaign with the Robins, but when asked what environment he needs to play his best rugby, Ryan believes the trust and backing of the coaching staff is vital.

“I think confidence is a big one – I’m a confidence player, I think a lot of people are,” Ryan continued.

“When I feel good and I know I’m backed by the coach, it portrays onto the field.

“I think that’s a big thing, me feeling good and playing good. So, hopefully when I come in – get training with the boys and stuff – when the season comes around, I can demonstrate that!”

See our new man in action next season by purchasing your 2024 season ticket HERE.

RYAN: “IT’S THE TYPE OF RUGBY I LIKE TO PLAY!”

Posted on by Harry Siddall

Ethan Ryan is really excited about his move to Salford Red Devils, citing our style of rugby as a crucial factor in his decision.

The Ireland international has put pen to paper on a three-year deal and joins the club following a successful four-year stint at Hull KR.

After joining the Robins from Bradford Bulls in 2020, Ryan scored 22 tries in 42 appearances and showcased his versatility across the team.

Speaking exclusively to our YouTube channel, Ryan was asked how it feels to finally get his switch confirmed.

“It sounds exciting,” he said with a grin.

“It’s obviously a bit different now. I’ve been at Hull KR the last four years, but an opportunity come up that I could join the Red Devils and I’ve took that – I can’t wait to get started.”

There will be a reunion for Ryan with Kurt Haggerty, who he played alongside during his time at Bradford.

Now in a role off the pitch, Ryan referenced Salford’s Assistant Coach when asked why – at this stage in his career – he believed this is the right move.

“I met with the club and I’ve known Kurt (Haggerty) for quite a while,” the 27-year-old continued.

“I used to play with him at Bradford and they got in contact with my agent, we had a meeting; and from the outside looking in, I just love how the club play, the style of rugby under Rowls – so that was a big factor.

“I just think it will suit my game a lot. There’s real attacking flair – it’s the type of rugby I like to play, so that’s why I decided to do it!”

Want to see Ethan in action next season? Get your 2024 season ticket now by clicking HERE!

BOUROUH: “HE’S A MASSIVE ROLE MODEL!”

Posted on by Harry Siddall

Young hooker, Amir Bourouh has highlighted the importance of Andy Ackers in his development, upon penning a one-year contract extension.

Making 19 appearances during his first two seasons at the club, Bourouh has shown glimpses of what he can offer the team – often called upon in some big games during 2023.

He will now have the opportunity to play his trade in same environment for 12 months further, penning fresh terms to remain at Salford in 2024.

Speaking exclusively to our YouTube channel, Bourouh said: “Really good to get them (2024 plans) confirmed now.

“I was waiting around to see what I was doing next year – so I am really happy to be staying at Salford.”

One massive bonus for the 22-year-old is that two people already at the club are masters in the position where he is trying to pave his way.

England international, Andy Ackers is one of them and Bourouh says he is the perfect role model for him to work closely alongside.

“I think he’s been massive for me,” he continued.

“I’ve seen him come into the scene in probably a harder way than other hookers in the Super League – so he’s a massive role model and someone to look up to.

“I just need to do everything he’s doing and try to push him and get to the level he’s at now.”

The other – of course – is our Head Coach, Paul Rowley, who played at hooker to a very high standard in his playing days.

Bourouh believes it’s a lot more ‘personal’ for the pair when discussing how he can improve because of that very reason.

He finished: “It’s probably a lot more personal when it’s a position he’s played; so he might be harder on me, more honest and knows what he wants from me a lot more – so it makes my job easier when it comes to speaking to him.”

To hear more from Amir, head to our YouTube channel HERE for our full chat – make sure to hit subscribe!

SIO: “IT’S A PRIVILEGE TO WALK INTO THESE DOORS!”

Posted on by Harry Siddall

Ken Sio was his usual humble self when reflecting on his time at Salford Red Devils.

The 32-year-old has penned a one-year extension, meaning supporters will get to enjoy a sixth season of Sio in the red and white.

Since joining from NRL outfit, Newcastle Knights, the flying winger has become a firm fan favourite with his reliable on-field performances.

Speaking exclusively to our YouTube channel, Sio admitted he was really happy to confirm his stay for another season.

“Pretty cool – awesome,” he began.

“Just to stay here again and hopefully finish here would be awesome!”

Scoring 78 tries in 104 appearances is a frankly ludicrous record.

Sio has established himself as a club great; often going under the radar in the wider-sphere, but certainly appreciated and loved by the Salford faithful.

When asked if he could believe how well his time at the club has gone on a personal level, he replied: “No, to be honest.

“I’ve always wanted to reach a Grand Final and win it; we did that in my first year here, but fell short. Then the Challenge Cup (final), but I was injured.

“It’s awesome to see the club where it is now and where it wants to go.”

After scoring so many tries and producing so many big moments for the Red Devils, Sio, when asked for his personal highlight, reminded us all of his humble nature.

“I think everyday I come into training is a highlight for me.

“It’s a privilege to walk into these doors and play my part in this team; to train well and play to heart.”

To hear more from Ken, head over to our YouTube channel by clicking HERE – make sure to subscribe!

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