A new home for Sam Stone

After helping Leigh secure their place in Betfred Super League next year, Sam Stone has a new home for 2023.

He joins a Salford Red Devils side that were just 80 minutes away from Old Trafford in 2022. The Red Devils enjoyed an end of year surge which saw them entertain their way into the top six, before falling just short against eventual Champions St Helens in the Play-Off Semi-Final.

Stone will add more fire power to an already accomplished Salford back row - a position that was expertly filled by a refreshed Kallum Watkins last season. And Stone will be hoping to form a formidable partnership with the England international - a partnership built on hard work and effort.

"I'm a hard worker in defence," Stone told Red Devils TV.

"I'd say that's the first thing the fans at Salford will see. The English style of rugby is a lot more expansive than the NRL - it's something that I enjoy playing in so I'm excited to get into the Red Devils system and seeing how we go."

Hard work underpinned the Red Devils resurgence last season, but it was their expansive style of play which caught the eye. Salford scored over 30 points in five of their last seven regular season fixtures - something that influenced Stone's decision to move to the AJ Bell.

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After his first few weeks at the Club, we spoke to Sam Stone about his ambitions for 2023 and much more!

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"I really liked the way Salford finished last year," the former Leigh man explained.

"I was really impressed with the expansive football - that was a big factor [in moving to Salford]. I like their style of play."

Stone had a brief taste of Super League when he arrived at Leigh mid-way through the 2021 season. They ultimately fell short that year but Stone now has the chance to re-establish himself in the competition in 2023.

"I'm really excited to play in Super League again. It's a great comp - especially those top two teams this year [St Helens and Wigan Warriors], they were really dominant. I think Salford and Leeds made a good run at it, but I think they'll be the benchmark again and I can't wait to knock them off."

The Red Devils have bolstered their squad for the new season and already proved that they can compete with any team on their day. Confidence will be high after an impressive 2022 campaign and Stone is expecting to more of the same in 2023 with the vocal Red Devils fanbase behind them.

"We're aiming to win trophies. I think we've got the potential to do so, we just need to keep working hard and keep pushing all in the same direction and I think it's achievable.

"I've heard the Salford fans are really good. I know most English teams are very good - I love playing rugby over here with the fans, the singing and all that kind of stuff. I can't wait to experience the Salford home crowd."