2024 Season Preview: Salford Red Devils

Salford's 2023 season was a tale of two halves. Halfway through the previous campaign they were sitting in fourth place and preparing for a Challenge Cup Quarter-Final clash against Hull KR. But their Wembley journey would unfortunately come to end, and seven straight losses would follow, pushing them outside of the top six.

A slight resurgence towards the back end of the season was not enough to reach the play-offs, as Paul Rowley's men narrowly missed out. This left their fans feeling bitterly disappointed, although perhaps this highlights just have far the Red Devils have come in recent years - to be disheartened with a mid-table finish.

Salford have transformed into a competitive side in recent seasons, playing a brand of entertaining rugby league which has rightly earned them the relevant recognition. And although they have had a few high-profile players exits heading into 2024, they have recruited well ahead of the campaign.

But there's pressure on this newly-looking Salford side, as they have proved to their fans and other teams that they are able to confidently compete. Expectations will therefore be high from fans this year, as they will look for nothing less than a top-six finish this time out. Can they go one step further in 2024 and secure a play-off place?

Get kitted out for 2024! ? @VX3apparel
— Salford Red Devils ? (@SalfordDevils) January 12, 2024

Ins & outs

Ins

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

Which of our new additions are you most looking forward to seeing in action next season? ? https://t.co/fCtwhnj7oq
— Salford Red Devils ? (@SalfordDevils) December 19, 2023

Outs

Matty Costello (Barrow Raiders), Rhys Williams (Swinton Lions), James Greenwood (Barrow Raiders), Brodie Croft, Andy Ackers (both Leeds Rhinos), Danny Addy (Featherstone Rovers), Ken Sio (released on compassionate grounds), Jorge Cabral (North Wales Crusaders), Joe Burgess (Hull KR).

Ones to watch

2024 stars

Cade Cust will wear Salford colours in 2024 and is no stranger to being part of a team that can win silverware, knowing exactly what is required to reach the top. Having previous experience playing in the NRL for Manly Sea Eagles, as well as winning success with current Champions Wigan Warriors, Cust should bring his A-game and versatility, having played both in the halves and at hooker - and will be hoping to make a strong impact from the start.

Cust could be set to partner the reliable Marc Sneyd in the halves, and this combination is predicted to be a real threat to teams with the creativity and energy they can bring. A key partnership could be in the making, with both complementing one another's attributes and abilities, and they'll be working to provide the expansive play head coach Paul Rowley expects from his team in 2024. Will Cust prove to be a valuable addition?

Meanwhile, Ryan Brierley is another key man who has a well-known reputation for his quick stepping, speed and fancy playmaking which can cause a lot of problems for his opponents. As Salford's second top try-scorer and try-assister in 2023 and renowned for fooling his defenders, there's no doubt that Brierley is still on top form, and fans should look forward to another year of watching some off-the-cuff Brierley magic.

Next generation

Salford have signed an aspiring young half-back ahead of the 2024 campaign, who is finally ready to make the step up to the first team. Kai Morgan will be hoping to continue his exciting development under the guidance of Paul Rowley, having progressed through the Leeds Rhinos' ranks, where he then became a firm regular in Leeds' Academy side. Notably, he played a significant part in their 2022 Academy Grand Final success over St Helens, in the half-back position, before continuing to play reserve grade for the 2023 season. Could 2024 be the year he realises his potential and features for the Red Devils in Super League?

Defining dates

Salford will look to reiterate their strong start similar to last year when they won eight from nine and were sitting in fourth place. And if they are to go on and attain a play-off place, then they will need to have better execution in close matches, to ensure they are on the winning side.

The Red Devils have a series of home fixtures to begin with - four out of their first six fixtures are at home at the Salford Stadium, which is a huge advantage as those games will see Paul Rowley's men play four of last year's top six sides.

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Tickets for our game against @LeighLeopardsRL at Elland Road, on Sunday 18th August, are ?? ???? ???! ??

Grab yours below ??
— Salford Red Devils ? (@SalfordDevils) January 14, 2024

Salford can then look ahead to a derby day out at Elland Road in August, where they will face local rivals Leigh Leopards in Sunday's Magic Weekend. Also Round 22 of the campaign, these results of the Magic Round could have bearing on the final league standings.

Squad list

1. Ryan Brierley, 2. Ethan Ryan, 3. Nene MacDonald, 4. Tim Lafai, 5. Deon Cross, 6. Cade Cust, 7. Marc Sneyd, 8. Brad Singleton, 9. Amir Bourouh, 10. King Vuniyayawa, 11. Sam Stone, 12. Kallum Watkins, 13. Oli Partington, 14. Chris Atkin, 15. Shane Wright, 16. Joe Shorrocks, 17. Jack Ormondroyd, 18. Ben Hellewell, 19. Adam Sidlow, 20. Andrew Dixon, 21. Matty Foster, 22. Kai Morgan, 23. Chris Hankinson, 24. Joe Mellor.