On Tuesday, Super League clubs voted against proposals that would grant salary cap and quota dispensations to clubs wanting to sign Salford Red Devils players. The vote, which saw Salford approve the proposals, will have some pretty sizable implications on what is to come next.
It’s now all but inevitable that the Reds will need to cash in on their players to avoid another financial crisis. Discussions relating to investment have not materialised and with the club slowly creeping towards another cash flow issue, action is required.
The fact that dispensations were thrown out isn’t particularly good news for Salford as it will reduce the number of clubs that can make moves for their players. That means interest won’t be as intense and with less competition for signatures, offers might not be as financially attractive.
However, there are still some deals to be done with clubs who have salary cap space, a quota spot or both. Here, we take a look at the deals that are likely to play out in the coming days.
The battle for Sneyd The headline deal appears to centre around last year’s Man of Steel nominee. Marc Sneyd is being courted by Leigh Leopards and Hull FC, who both want to add a halfback to their team ahead of the new season.
Leigh have been on the lookout since Matt Moylan’s departure at the end of the season while Hull have made a big play for him following the departure of Jordan Abdull.
Geographically, Leigh have the advantage, but could Sneyd be motivated by a return to the club where he enjoyed great success? It would be a huge capture for either club.
Castleford’s prop search The Tigers are one of the clubs with salary cap space and in search of a forward, they have made a play for Jack Ormondroyd. The 33-year-old has spent the last five seasons with Salford and proven himself to be a consistent performer at this level.
Cas have been looking for a middle to finalise their squad in recent months and Salford’s predicament may see them finally get the deal they’ve been looking for.
Deon Cross Back to Hull FC, they want Deon Cross, the outside back who has been a near ever-present for the Reds during his three seasons with the club. Capable of playing wing or centre, Cross would add some pace to the Black and Whites’ backline. He also has a decent try-scoring record, notching 30 in 86 games.
Any further Leigh interest? It’s not a link that has hit the headlines just yet, but sources have told Rugby League Live that the Leopards might be plotting a move for a second Salford player.
As well as Sneyd, Leigh are thought to be considering Joe Shorrocks as a transfer option. It is no secret that Adrian Lam is a huge fan of Shorrocks, having coached him at Wigan when he first came through the ranks. He subsequently had a loan spell with Leigh in 2023.
A solid defender with good ball-playing abilities, he fits the mould of what Lam looks for in a player.
The other clubs Huddersfield Giants, Wakefield Trinity and Warrington Wolves are the three other clubs currently in a position to move, though their stance on the Salford situation is currently unclear.
The Giants aren’t known to be in for any of Salford’s players at this point, though inevitably, they will have an eye on the situation. Wakefield parted ways with forward Luke Bain earlier this week, opening further cap space and a quota spot. They are still looking to bolster their pack, so it wouldn’t be a shock if they made a move in that direction.
As for Warrington, they could potentially do with a bit more cover at back-row, which would point towards Kallum Watkins, Sam Stone or Shane Wright. But it’s unclear what their plan is for now.