Salford academy star Sam Bardsley trains with first team

Salford Red Devils Education Academy ace Sam Bardsley has started training with the first team after impressing for the Academy.

Bardsley has been a standout for Salford’s Education Academy side this season and he has been rewarded with a chance to step up into the Red Devils’ first team.

And the youngster is delighted to have the opportunity to learn from the senior players.

He said: “All the first team lads were really welcoming, and I really enjoyed training with them.

“I just want to stay at Salford Red Devils for as long as possible and continue to grow as a player and learn from the lads in the first team who’ve lots of experience.

“If anybody wants it enough and has the drive to try and break through here at Salford and try and train with the first team there’s no reason they can’t.

“Myself and a few other of the Salford Red Devils Education Academy lads have had the opportunity to train with the first team and hopefully we can make the most of the chance we’ve been given.”

Red Devils’ director of rugby and operations Ian Blease says Bardsley fully deserved his chance to train with the first team.

He said: “It is important that we give our youngsters the right environment in which to build their career.

“Getting them training in the first team system is the first step in that line of progression.

“Sam is a local talent who has earned his opportunity to train with the first team after impressing with the Salford Red Devils Education Academy over the last few years.”