Tyler Dupree posts cryptic tweet amidst Hull KR transfer speculation

James Gordon 24 May 2023 12:22 PM

Tyler Dupree England SWpix — Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix

Salford forward Tyler Dupree has broken his silence with a cryptic post on social media following the news that he has had a transfer request rejected by the club.

Dupree, 23, made his England debut last month against France following an impressive 12 months at the AJ Bell Stadium which has seen his stock rise.

Formerly with Widnes and Oldham, Dupree was previously in the academy set up at Leeds but has firmly established himself as a Super League quality prop which has attracted attention of other clubs.

Hull KR are reported to have had two bids rejected for the Yorkshireman, which prompted a transfer request.

Dupree is managed by former Wales dual-code international Iestyn Harris, through his Distinct management agency.

In a statement earlier this week, Salford’s Director of Rugby and Operations Ian Blease outlined the club’s position regarding Dupree.

Blease said: “I can confirm the club have received a transfer request from the agent of Tyler Dupree today. We have strongly refused the request, with the player still a big part of our plans going forward.

“As a club, we are committed to retaining our players and after a recent extension, Tyler is contracted until the end of 2025.”

It has caused controversy given the timing of the request, which comes amidst a campaign by the Red Devils to raise funds through the sale of shares to fans in an attempt to stave off interest in their players.

Some have suggested that Salford should cash in on Dupree to help with their funding issues, but others believe that showing that they are still willing to sell players is detrimental to the future ambition of the club.

There’s a further in twist in that Dupree only signed a new three-year contract six months ago.

When signing that deal, Dupree said: “I’m over the moon to be extending my stay with a club who gave me the opportunity to fulfil my dream and play in Super League. It’s a great moment for me and my family, and hopefully many more years to come!”

Dupree has played in all 13 of Salford’s matches so far in 2023, adding to the 14 appearances he made last season. He made the move mid-season from Championship side Widnes, having played the first seven games of 2022 with them and being sidelined through injury. A swap deal with Josh Johnson saw Dupree take up a full-time deal in Super League.

Before that, he impressed in 18 appearances for Oldham in 2021 despite their relegation from the Championship, and made a handful of appearances for Featherstone, York and Batley in the years prior.

The current transfer saga threatens to drag on.

Dupree tweeted on Wednesday morning: “Two sides to every story. The truth will always be the truth even if no one believes it.”

Two sides to every story 😅 the truth will always be the truth even if no one believes it☕️

— TD (@tylerdupree8) May 24, 2023

Salford will be keen that the saga doesn’t derail their encouraging start to the season, as they look to make it successive Super League play-off appearances.

With Dupree under contract until the end of 2025, they hold the cards to a degree – but in a salary cap sport, it is difficult for clubs to carry players who may not want to be there.

Some fans have already turned on Dupree, questioning his actions and motives, just months after committing his future to the club.