Exclusive: Salford Red Devils confident on Ryan Brierley ahead of transfer deadline

Salford Red Devils are hopeful of resolving talks with full-back Ryan Brierley as at least two Super League clubs weigh up bids before Friday’s transfer deadline.

The 31-year-old only signed a new three-year deal at the end of last season but the Red Devils are in discussions to lock Brierley in to new terms in the face of interest elsewhere.

Brierley’s form this season has prompted talk of an England call-up ahead of the autumn series against Tonga, and the former Leigh man captained Salford for the first time as they were heavily beaten at leaders Catalans Dragons on Saturday.

The 42-0 defeat in the south of France was their first scoreless game since May 2021, and brought to an end a turbulent week for Paul Rowley’s side who saw star prop Tyler Dupree sold to Wigan Warriors, and fellow forward King Vuniyayawa sent back from France after it was discovered that his Visa had expired.

Given Dupree’s departure, Rowley is loathe to lose any more of his frontline stars, and the Red Devils boss will be hopeful that deals can be done to keep both Brierley and reigning Steve Prescott Man Of Steel Brodie Croft at the Salford Stadium.

Croft has been heavily linked with a return to the NRL, although talks with Wests Tigers reportedly recently broke down, with a release clause in his long-term contract needing to be met by suitors Down Under.

Ryan Brierley retention key for Salford Red Devils

Keeping Brierley at the club is on top of Rowley’s in-tray this week and Love Rugby League understands that while Brierley and Salford both remain keen to agree terms, the Red Devils are braced for late bids before Friday in the wake of Dupree’s sudden sale last week.

Deon Cross, Shane Wright, Ken Sio and and King Vuniyayawa are among Salford’s first-teamers currently without a contract for next season, while Ellis Longstaff made his Featherstone Rovers debut on Sunday after his loan at Salford was brought to an end.

Rowley himself was a surprise name linked with the now vacant job at Warrington on Monday, following the sacking of Daryl Powell.

Having lost five games in a row, the playoff-chasing Red Devils bid to return to winning ways in front of their passionate home crowd on Sunday when they welcome champions St Helens.

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