Salford RLFC manager Ryan Brierley has shared an update on the state of the club after just three months in charge with the former manager explaining how difficult the going has been in terms of recruiting players.
After Salford Red Devils went into administration, the club rebranded under the RLFC moniker with Brierley returning to the club as CEO to lead the way.
Confirmed to return to the Championship at the end of December, Salford had the task of finding enough players and kit for their first game but seven games into the season and the squad is more settled.
However, the club is still very weak and efforts to improve it are still difficult as Brierley revealed how difficult it is to sign players, especially since the club has been placed on the list of several players after what played in 2025 under the old owners.
Speaking on the club’s YouTube channel and asked how recruitment was, Brierley admitted: “It’s difficult and it’s back to availability. There’s a lot of guys out there who need experience and help, and we know that but it’s not for lack of effort.
“We are all in the office every day trying to find ways to improve the team hour by hour, we are always trying to call agents, especially those who will deal with us, because not many will work.”
He also pointed out that the injury crisis in the Super League has a trickle down effect, saying: “As you saw in the Super League, there were so many injuries early on that naturally the players who sit behind the first team starters would be there, but now they are not because they are playing in the first team every week.”
Salford RLFC are focusing on rebuilding confidence as Brierley improves in the ranks
Salford have been able to sign loanee Toby Hughes on a permanent deal and half of a three-year deal at the club, something Brierley said marked a major step in the club’s building.
Regarding other future recruitments, he confirmed that some players have already been signed: “We are continuing to recruit players. We have signed a few players for next year because I think it is important that we do the building restrictions now.
“Overall, I think it’s a very good start. I’m very proud of my staff and the team.”
Another player who has been very important in the early weeks and months for Salford RLFC is Brad Dwyer although Brierley admitted that it may not be long before the Super League club try to sign him.
He explained: “At the end of the day, he’s a Super League player playing for us and I think we’re a bit cautious and appreciative of where Brad’s at.
“He’s been helping us for a long time and what I like about Brad is that he cares.
“We have to understand that we might lose Brad at some point because a Super League club might come calling. It’s very difficult for us because we’re a part-time club and he’s a full-time Super League player in my eyes and in my opinion, and it’s going to be a while before clubs come knocking on the door.
“Brad knows, it was discussed before Brad signed. He still has a strong desire to play in the Super League and for us it was about trying to get the most out of him…
Brierley also admitted that the club still has a long way to go to fix the bridges that were broken by the previous owners.
He explained: “Just the other day we were trying to get a good bus to London but we couldn’t because the previous organization owed money to their coach companies…
On the highlights, he said: “The Hunslet game when we won was good but what I can say is the connection we got across our supporters, our participants, our supporters.
“To see people back in their Salford shirts, smiling and happy to have their team back to support them is something special and that’s what I’d say has been a huge achievement for me.”
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