Ken Sio aiming for brighter days with Salford after Million Pound Game heartbreak

Salford relegated Ken Sio’s Hull KR back in 2016, but the Australian is fighting the Red Devils’ corner in Super League this time around. 

Sio, 28, signed a three-year deal to return to Super League with Salford, the club who relegated his then Hull KR side in 2016 thanks to a Gareth O’Brien drop-goal.

The Red Devils beat Hull KR 19-18 in the Million Pound Game in golden-point extra-time.

Sio told loverugbyleague.com: “It does kill me a bit, but there is a business side to it.

“I was very grateful and I’m glad I had the opportunity to play for Hull KR. I give them credit for the way they handled everything after that loss.

“I thank the players and the staff for everything they’ve done. It was hurtful at the time but now I think it’s more of a learning point for me.

“Now I just want to be the best player I can for my team-mates at Salford and play as a team player and put the team first. That was my goal since putting pen to paper was putting the team first and myself second after that.”

Sio has spent the previous two seasons back home in the NRL with Newcastle Knights, scoring 17 tries and kicking 25 goals in 41 appearances for the club.

And the utility-back isn’t fazed about returning to the British weather and is relishing the chance to play in Super League again.

He added: “Back to the cold, I don’t mind it, some days I wish there was a bit of heat but I don’t mind the cold weather.

“It was a shock when the deal was signed, a bit of a bittersweet moment leaving home and moving but having my partner and two boys here it’s feeling like home.

“I think Super League is becoming more and more of a place for players to come not after our careers but during as well, to become better players.

“I think it is becoming more appealing because it’s starting to pick up as well, that gap is closing between Super League and the NRL.”