SEPTEMBER PLAYER OF THE MONTH NOMINEES REVEALED

It’s time for you to vote for your September Player of the Month…

Our 2023 Betfred Super League season came to a disappointing end, but there was still plenty to celebrate on an individual basis across the month.

We have five nominees for the final Player of the Month award of our season.

First up is the Coaches and Supporters’ Player of the Year, Ryan Brierley.

Our outstanding full-back is looking to win back-to-back awards and has been nominated – yet again – for his magnificent performances across September.

Next up is Kallum Watkins, who continues to lead the way in both attack and defence.

Our skipper was included in the back-row of Super League’s 2023 Dream Team and is up for the club award this month.

Ollie Partington – after a stellar debut season – is looking to win for the second time in 2023, having also picked-up the Players’ Player of the Year and Hitman of the Year awards’ last week.

Our Samoan centre, Tim Lafai has continued to build on his remarkable 2022 by producing world class performances, week after week in 2023.

As has Ken Sio – the final nominee for September’s award.

So, who gets your vote this month? Cast yours below!



2023 SEPTEMBER PLAYER OF THE MONTH!

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GALLERY: CROSS SIGNS NEW SALFORD CONTRACT

Deon’s a Red Devil for two more years!

After putting pen to paper on fresh terms, the England Knights international was whisked around the ground on his media duties.

It’s been an incredible journey for Cross and he’ll be hoping to continue his rapid development under the tutelage of Paul Rowley and his coaching staff.

As ever, we were there to capture what he got up to on resigning day – with photos courtesy of club photographer, Steve McCormick:


HARD WORK PAYS OFF!

It’s not always been plain sailing for the 27-year-old, but what a player he’s turned into!


SEE YOU SOON!

2023 may be over, but Deon and co. will soon be back on this field in 2024!


WHAT A JOURNEY!

Cross backed-up a stunning debut season with another fine performance across 2023.


ITS A KIND OF MAGIC

Deon has signed a Magic Weekend shirt for one of you lucky people to win – stay tuned on our socials to see how you can get involved!


THINGS YOU LOVE TO SEE

Our stellar centre is all smiles after committing his long-term future to the club.


DONE AND DUSTED

Sealed with a handshake, Director of Rugby and Operations, Ian Blease pose with Deon for a photo to confirm his two-year extension!


DEON CROSS SIGNS NEW TWO-YEAR SALFORD RED DEVILS CONTRACT

We are delighted to announce Deon Cross has signed a new two-year deal at Salford Red Devils, with the option to extend by a further year.

The 27-year-old has been an outstanding addition since joining the club from Widnes Vikings at the start of 2022.

Arriving as a natural winger, but now thriving at centre, Cross has continued his rapid development under the tutelage of Paul Rowley and the rest of the coaching team.

In his debut season, Cross scored 14 tries in 29 games and earned a call-up to the England Knights squad – making his debut against Scotland in a 28-4 victory.

There’s no doubt – with this long-term extension – Cross will continue to be an important member of the team for years and years to come.

In reaction to extending his stay at the club, Cross said: “I’m really pleased to extend my contract at Salford.

“The club have given me this opportunity and I want to repay them with my performances and help achieve the goals that we have set as a team!”

Head Coach, Paul Rowley has added: “Myself and the group are delighted that Deon has extended his contract.

“He has had an incredible journey in rugby league and we look forward to being a part of it going forward – and helping him continue his remarkable progression.”

Director of Rugby & Operations, Ian Blease has also said: “It has been a real pleasure to see Deon’s development at Salford Red Devils.

“He is a player who embodies dedication and hard work. To see how he prepares for a game leaves me with no surprise when he performs to a high standard on the weekend.

“I am delighted we have been able to retain his services for the next few years. Deon is a first-class person and to see him pull on an England Knights jersey last year was a very proud moment for everyone at the club.

“I would like to congratulate Deon on his new contract and look forward to seeing him progress even further in 2024!”

Deon is committed for 2024 – are you? Buy your season ticket HERE!

PAUL ROWLEY NOMINATED FOR COACH OF THE YEAR

We are delighted to announce that Paul Rowley has been nominated for Betfred Super League Coach of the Year. 

After another season of progression, our Head Coach has been recognised alongside fellow competitors, Matt Peet, Steve McNamara and Adrian Lam.

With one of the smallest squads across Super League, the former England international mounted yet another playoff charge in 2023.

Competition for a playoff spot was possibly at its highest ever level across 2023; and the fact Rowley’s side achieved one more Super League victory than 2022, but narrowly missed out on the six, is the perfect indicator of just that.

Some standout performances include a memorable opening day victory versus Leigh Leopards, a rare win at Headingley and the golden point thriller against Warrington Wolves.

A mountain of injury trouble continued to hamper his squad, but to keep hopes of a top six finish alive, right until the final day, deserves a huge amount of praise.

Upon receiving his nomination, Rowley has said: “I am really honoured to be nominated for the award. It has been a challenging season and our group continues to do us proud.

“I am privileged to work with these players and grateful for the friendship, loyalty and brilliance of Kurt and Kris.”

The Super League Coach of the Year will be crowned at the sport’s biggest and most inclusive Awards Night at Emirates Old Trafford on Tuesday, October 10th.

MATT COSTELLO LEAVES SALFORD RED DEVILS

We can confirm Matt Costello has departed Salford Red Devils.

The 25-year-old progressed through the ranks at St Helens before joining the club ahead of the 2021 season.

Costello has since gone on to make 24 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring nine tries. He has also enjoyed loan spells at both Newcastle Thunder and Barrow Raiders during his time at the club.

Operating at centre or on the wing, Costello was a valuable and versatile weapon for Paul Rowley during the early parts of 2023; especially at a time where injuries were starting to mount up.

He leaves wish the best wishes of everyone at the club for his latest challenge.

Speaking on his time in red and white, Costello has said: “I have made great memories – with some great friends – playing for Salford and threw 100% in every time I wore a red shirt.

“I would like to say a big thank you to all the staff members and players that I have worked with during my time at the club, for making it an enjoyable place to come to work every day.

“And to the fans, for making two stands sound like four on game days!”

Director of Rugby & Operation, Ian Blease, has said: “Matty is a fantastic person; it has been a pleasure to work alongside him and he has been a great asset to the playing roster over the last few years.

“I want to wish him all the best in his future ventures and say a big thank you for all his efforts in a Salford Red Devils jersey!”

The club remains in conversation with other players whose contracts are to expire this year. Further updates will be shared when appropriate.

KALLUM WATKINS INCLUDED IN 2023 BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE DREAM TEAM

Kallum Watkins has been included in the 2023 Betfred Super League Dream Team.

Named captain ahead of the 2023 season, Watkins’ consistent performances have led to his inclusion in the 2023 Betfred Super League Dream Team line-up.

An early sign of the campaign to come from our skipper, Kallum went over to bring up the first points of our season in the first half of the opening round visit to Leigh Leopards – helping us secure our first ever Super League win at the Leigh Sports Village.

Despite an natural, elite centre, his selfless transition to the back row has been massive for Paul Rowley’s side – producing world class performances, week on week.

In 2023, Watkins was our top tackler (852), gained the most meters from offloads across the entire Super League and scored five big tries.

He ran 2515 meters in 25 games and managed 35 offloads.

In reaction to Kallum’s inclusion, Director of Rugby & Operation, Ian Blease, has said: “Kallum is consistency personified, and his inclusion in the Dream Team is testament to his efforts this season.

“Both on the field as well as off it – Kal’s quality as a leader within the group is clear, often taking responsibility and standing up when needed.

“Loved by supporters and teammates alike, and hugely respected by all those who know him, Kallum’s selection will come as no surprise. I’m delighted for him and wish him a huge congratulations.”

The inclusion of Kallum in this season’s Dream Team becomes our 5th straight year of representation in Super League’s end of season standout line-up.

2019 – Jackson Hastings
2020 – Krisnan Inu
2021 – Ken Sio
2022 – Tim Lafai, Ken Sio, Brodie Croft
2023 – Kallum Watkins

2023 Betfred Super League Dream Team: Jack Welsby (St Helens), Josh Charnley (Leigh Leopards), Jake Wardle (Wigan Warriors), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Hull KR), Tom Johnstone (Catalans Dragons), Bevan French (Wigan Warriors), Lachlan Lam (Leigh Leopards), Paul Vaughan (Warrington Wolves), Edwin Ipape (Leigh Leopards), Tom Amone (Leigh Leopards), Kallum Watkins (Salford Red Devils), Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors), John Asiata (Leigh Leopards)

MATCH REPORT – SALFORD RED DEVILS 8-19 CATALANS DRAGONS (BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE ROUND 27)

Salford Red Devils were beaten by Catalans Dragons in Round 27 of the Betfred Super League.

Paul Rowley’s side went into this game knowing they still had a chance of making the playoffs with a win, but also needed results elsewhere to go their way.

It was a scrappy first ten minutes from both sides – conceding errors aplenty.

Joe Burgess made a half-break on the left edge, but his pass inside to the supporting Ryan Brierley was adjudged forward.

The Dragons struck first on 11-minutes, with Tyrone May breaking the Salford line and teeing up Matt Whitley to crash over, left of the posts.

There was no short of effort from the team all evening. Out of absolutely nothing, Burgess’ lung-bursting run and booming tackle forced a drop-out from virtually our next set.

No way through the Dragons line and after making nice metres upfield, a high tackle allowed Sam Tomkins to knock over a penalty-goal.

He soon cost his side that two points, however. His scuffle in back play with Amir Bourouh earned them both a yellow card and Marc Sneyd the opportunity to knock over a penalty-goal of our own.

HALF-TIME: Salford Red Devils 2-8 Catalans Dragons

The second forty began the same as the first – error-filled.

Salford were showing fight and the introduction of Ben Hellewell really made a difference to proceedings.

His tenacity in the tackle forced a knock-on and then his first foray forward was stripped by a Catalans defender – earning us a full set just 20 out.

After a few stabs at the line, Ollie Partington threw a lovely short pass to Hellewell, who went crashing through for his fourth in a Red Devils shirt.

Sneyd brought us level with the boot and it was game on at the Salford Stadium.

Catalans themselves had a lot to play for with the League Leaders Shield on the line. May dummied a drop-goal attempt on 67-minutes, but from the next tackle Tomkins nudged one over from 20 yards to regain a slender lead.

It felt like that was a big turning point in the game and the visitors hit Salford with two quick-fire tries soon after.

Julian Bousquet was the first to crash over, with Tomkins’ scurry out of dummy-half confirming the victory just minutes later.

As it happens, Warrington Wolves’ victory at Huddersfield Giants means even two points wouldn’t have been enough for Salford.

But despite the disappointment, we can ultimately reflect on another season of progression where – despite a lot of adversity – the club was, once again, competing for a spot in the top six until the very final round.

FULL-TIME: Salford Red Devils 8-19 Catalans Dragons

Photo credit: Steve McCormick

MATCH PREVIEW – SALFORD RED DEVILS VS CATALANS DRAGONS (BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE ROUND 27)

It’s all on the line.

With so much at stake, Salford Red Devils welcome title-chasing Catalans Dragons to the Salford Stadium.

Quite simply; a win tonight coupled with a Warrington Wolves loss would confirm playoff rugby league for the second consecutive season.

Anything else would bring our 2023 campaign to a close.

The Dragons also need results elsewhere to go in their favour.

A win for Steve McNamara’s men – with Wigan Warriors falling to defeat at Leigh Leopards – would hand the French outfit the League Leaders’ Shield.

Here’s everything you need to know before this mammoth clash:


SQUAD NEWS

Just one change to the squad who made a long trip to East Hull last Saturday.

Brad Singleton – who received a one-match ban from the MRP – is back available for selection and will be a massive boost to Paul Rowley’s forward pack.

Unfortunately, Shane Wright and Alex Gerrard both remain long-term absentees.


INU’S PREVIEW

Reflecting on Saturday’s performance, Assistant Coach, Krisnan Inu was adamant that the team need to improve if they’re to beat a team of Catalans’ calibre.

“No excuse. We didn’t turn up with the right attitude and we didn’t perform well,” Inu said when asked about our performance against Hull KR.

“Whether you train five times a week or you train once, you know your job and that’s to hold the ball and score more points than the other team.”

He continued: “It’s a big game for everyone this round.

“Catalans are fighting for the top two to have a week off, next week and at the same time we’re fighting for that final spot in the six, so across the board everyone’s got something to fight for.”

You can watch Inu’s pre-match press conference in full by clicking HERE.


HOW TO BUY TICKETS

There’s still time to join us for our ‘Blue Light’ appreciation day at the Salford Stadium.

Come down early and sample everything we have on offer before heading inside to roar on the boys for a playoff-deciding clash against the Dragons.

Click HERE to buy your tickets, with pay on the day via our ticket office still an option for supporters.

WILLIAMS AND GREENWOOD TO DEPART SALFORD RED DEVILS

We can confirm Rhys Williams and James Greenwood will depart Salford Red Devils upon expiry of their contracts.

Both have made significant contributions to the team – in some big moments – and will be remembered fondly by everyone associated with the club.

Williams in particular has been a classy operator since joining Salford from London Broncos ahead of the 2020 season.

The Welshmen helped the club reach their first Challenge Cup Final in 51 years and scored a fantastic, length of the field try in that very fixture against Leeds Rhinos.

An established international, Williams has gone on to score 22 tries and so often been a reliable, hard-working winger over his four seasons at the club.

Greenwood is another player who played a vital role in our run to the 2020 Challenge Cup final.

He started that game in the back-row and scored a try on 59-minutes that fired the Red Devils into a dream lead at Wembley Stadium.

Although his last few years at the club have been hampered by injuries, Greenwood has showed glimpses of the quality he posses and leaves with our absolute best wishes.

Head Coach, Paul Rowley has said: “On behalf of all of the lads, we thank them for their contributions to the group and their friendship during their time at Salford.

“We wish them the best of luck for the future!”

Director of Rugby & Operations, Ian Blease has added: “I would like to put on record and say a very much heartfelt thank you to both Rhys and James for their service, dedication and professionalism whilst they have both been with us at Salford Red Devils.

“Both players have served rugby league and Super League greatly; who can forget that they were both were try scorers in our 2020 Challenge Cup final appearance, with both giving everything on the pitch from the moment they joined the club.

“I send James & Rhys – and their respective families – our best wishes for the future; they will always be very welcome back to the Salford Stadium!”

The club remains in conversation with other players whose contracts are to expire this year. Further updates will be shared when appropriate.

Supporting George’s Foundation this Friday

In addition to the celebration of our Emergency Services, we will be holding a collection ahead of Friday’s game against Catalans Dragons, in support of George’s Foundation – an independent organisation supporting various initiatives in Ghana.

The collection point will be located under cover front of the West Stand – and we’re asking fans to show support by donating the following items, food and toiletries:

  • Baby wipes
  • Nappies
  • Bars of soap
  • Role on deodorant
  • Tooth brushes
  • Tooth paste
  • Sponges/flannels
  • Baby shampoo
  • Baby wash
  • Shower gel
  • Moisturiser
  • Sanitary towels
  • Condoms
  • Biscuits
  • Tinned food
  • Small toys
  • Shoes
  • Baby clothes
  • Blankets

George’s Charity seeks to make a positive difference in Ghana and continues to support life-changing initiatives within local communities. Already having raised funds and supported the creation of an orphanage, the charity is now aiming to enable the building of a maternity ward, as well as specifically funding an eye operation for a mother, pregnant with triplets, who lost her sight during the pregnancy. This invaluable procedure will allow the mother to see her children for the first time.

We encourage all supporters to show their support by donating the above items for George’s Charity to deliver to Ghana.

Supporters can also donate directly to one member of the travelling groups’ fundraising pages here.

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