Salford Red Devils have confirmed they will be fielding ‘predominantly reserve squad players’ for their Betfred Super League opener against St Helens on Saturday due to ongoing salary caps.
A takeover of the club was announced earlier this month ahead of the 2025 season, live on Sky Sports, although the deal with the new ownership consortium is still pending final approval by the RFL.
Salford were last month issued a reduced sustainability cap of £1.2m and ordered to sell players by the Rugby Football League (RFL), which came two months after fellow Super League sides agreed to give them an advance in 2025 central distribution money.
Salford Red Devils’ Ryan Brierley discusses the atmosphere and future of the club after they were issued a sustainability cap of £1.2m by the Rugby Football League
Head coach Paul Rowley had a reduced squad at his disposal for last weekend’s Challenge Cup win against Midlands Hurricanes, with the restrictions still not resolved in time for their trip to the Totally Wicked Stadium on Saturday evening (5.30pm kick-off).
In a statement, the club said: “Salford Red Devils can confirm that the club will still be under the restrictions of the sustainability cap for this weekend’s opening Betfred Super League fixture against St Helens on Saturday February 15.
“As such, the club will be fielding a team featuring predominantly reserve squad players this weekend. Following the change of ownership, all documents have been submitted to the RFL for final approval, which is still ongoing.
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“Although the club is disappointed to still be under the restriction, there is an understanding that the process requires the appropriate time to be completed and we are complying with each request as it is provided.
“It is hoped this will be completed in time for the first home fixture of the season against Leeds Rhinos on Saturday February 22.”
Who will feature for St Helens?
Head coach Paul Wellens makes nine changes to the squad used for their victory over West Hull last weekend in the Betfred Challenge Cup, with senior Saints returning for their league opener.
St Helens’ Jack Welsby is hopeful they can take home the Super League trophy after they finished sixth last season, their lowest finish in the Super League ever
Kyle Feldt could make his official club debut, while fellow recruits Tristan Sailor and Lewis Murphy – who both scored last Saturday on their Saints debuts, could make their first league appearances for St Helens.
Young guns Noah Stephens and Harry Robertson hold onto their places in the 21-man team after impressing last week.
St Helens’ squad: 1. Jack Welsby, 2. Kyle Feldt, 4. Mark Percival, 5. Jon Bennison, 6. Tristan Sailor, 7. Jonny Lomax, 8. Alex Walmsley, 9. Daryl Clark, 10. Matty Lees, 11. Curtis Sironen, 12. Joe Batchelor, 13. Morgan Knowles, 14. Moses Mbye, 15. James Bell, 16. Matt Whitley, 17. Agnatius Paasi, 18. Jake Wingfield, 19. George Delaney, 20. Lewis Murphy, 21. Noah Stephens, 26. Harry Robertson.
Sky Sports will again show every game of the Super League live this season – including two matches in each round exclusively live, with the remaining four matches each week shown on Sky Sports+
