Salford Red Devils 2024 season preview

2023 recap

Perennial underdogs Salford had another great crack in 2023, finishing just two points and one place outside the play-off spots. Having gone into their Challenge Cup Quarter Final with Hull KR in 4th, their defeat at Craven Park was the first of seven in a row, and despite briefly climbing back into the top six, they ultimately fell just short.

2023 position: 7th

Key signings

Ethan Ryan (Hull KR), Nene Macdonald (Leeds Rhinos), Kai Morgan (Leeds Rhinos), Matty Foster (St Helens), Cade Cust (Wigan Warriors), Joe Shorrocks (Wigan Warriors), Chris Hankinson (Featherstone Rovers)

Key departures

Matty Costello (Barrow Raiders), Brodie Croft (Leeds Rhinos), Andy Ackers (Leeds Rhinos), Rhys Williams (Swinton Lions), Danny Addy (Featherstone Rovers), Joe Burgess (Hull KR), James Greenwood (Barrow Raiders), Ken Sio (Released)

Players to watch

Marc Sneyd has been one of Super League’s most consistent performers for a number of years, and if Salford are to achieve anything this year, his kicking game will be pivotal.

Deon Cross has been handed the number 5 shirt for 2024, so expect to see him as a starting winger when round one rolls around. There’ll be big pressure on him to add more tries to his game, having scored just five in 2023.

Young gun

Although he’s unlikely to start in the early rounds, Salford’s paper-thin squad means a place in the XIII could open up sooner rather than later for halfback, Kai Morgan. The 19-year-old arrived from Leeds Rhinos in the off-season, and he’s yet to make his first grade debut, so it’ll be exciting to see how he performs at the top level if given the chance.

Our prediction – 10th

Salford have been proving people wrong for years, so a top six finish can’t be ruled out. Having said that, I really fear for them this year. Andy Ackers and Brodie Croft are huge losses – so much so that Ken Sio’s departure has gone under the radar, and his tries will be hard to replace. Add to that, the fact they’re going into the season with just a 24-man squad, and one or two injuries could seriously derail them. On paper, their starting team is a match for most, but I’d be amazed if they made the play-offs this year.