“Unfinished business” – Adam Sidlow and his motivation behind Salford return

Adam Sidlow insists he has unfinished business at Salford as the 35-year-old returns to the AJ Bell Stadium for his second stint ahead of the 2023 Super League season. 

Sidlow, who began his career in 2006 with Widnes, featured for Salford from 2008 to 2012, making 82 appearances across five seasons.

The club has since endured a rebranding – from City Reds to Red Devils – and six head coaches since Sidlow’s first stint, as well as a rise on the field which includes appearances at the 2019 Super League Grand Final and the 2020 Challenge Cup final.

Sidlow returns to Salford on a 12-month contract in 2023, with the option of a further year, and says leaving Leigh on good terms helped with the transition, having won the League Leaders’ Shield, the 1895 Cup and promotion back to Super League last season.

“It was a really hard decision to leave Leigh, but it’s a job at the end of the day. I spoke to Paul (Rowley) and it just happened a bit quicker,” Sidlow told Love Rugby League.

“Personally, I had an unbelievable season last year. I really enjoyed it. We won three trophies and won promotion, it doesn’t get any better with the way that I left.

“I left on good terms. I feel like the year before we had a terrible season, so leaving on the terms that I did, I really enjoyed last year.”

Adam Sidlow on unfinished business

The prospect of reuniting with head coach Paul Rowley was a major factor for Sidlow, having worked together at Toronto, while the forward also believes he has unfinished business at the club.

He moved on from Salford to Bradford in 2013, going on to make more than 100 club appearances before joining the Wolfpack and then Leigh in 2021.

“I’m looking to prove myself again”

“I’ve had a good relationship with Paul Rowley for a few years now and when he spoke to me, I snapped up the decision to come back,” Sidlow explained.

“There’s a lot of good youth and experience in the squad. There’s quality shining through everywhere. The likes of Tim Lafai, Andy Ackers, Marc Sneyd, Man of Steel Brodie Croft, just to name a few. Why would I not want to come back and sign here? I’m really looking forward to the season.

“I’ve played under Paul and Kurt (Haggerty) before and so I know what they’re all about.

“They weren’t far off winning trophies last year which is always an attractive thing when you’re looking at joining another club.

“I feel like I’ve got some personal unfinished business with the way that I left last time. I didn’t want to leave at the time and going out the way I did, I’m happy to be back and I’m looking to prove myself again.”

Sidlow admits he’s currently struggling with a calf injury, but is hoping to be back to full fitness ahead of the club’s opening fixture against former club Leigh.

“I tweaked my calf running after Christmas, but I’ve been here before and I’ll overcome it again,” he said.

“I think looking at the fixtures, we play Leigh four times! It’s going to be a good season. I look forward to playing them and hopefully they look forward to playing me.”

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