Alker future in the balance

Malcolm Alker‘s future remains in the balance after Salford told him he wouldn’t be needed on the playing front next season, but have offered him a coaching role.

Alker, 31, has been at The Willows for his entire professional career and is believed to want to continue playing, which would make a move from Salford look more likely.

Coach Shaun McRae said: “The club has gone back to Malcolm and said we will be moving on next year from a playing point of view.

“Most people know that already but we value Malcolm to the point where he has been offered a position on the coaching staff. It’s up to him if he takes it.”

Alker, who has doubled up as Salford assistant coach this season, has racked up 350 appearances for the Reds, but could be playing elsewhere in 2011, and is reported to be considering a switch to play rugby union in Ireland.

McRae added: “It’s been difficult for him in season. He did a lot of work pre-season but the problem is that he was always a player first and a coach second.

“It’s been hard on Malcolm to do that because I’ve got to treat him like a player. At the end of the day he’s still putting his body on the line.”