Salford Red Devils has confirmed that they will field ‘predominantly reserve squad players’ for their Betfred Super League opener against St. Helens Saturday due to running wage caps.
A takeover of the club was announced earlier this month prior to the 2025 season, Live on Sky SportsAlthough the agreement with the new ownership consortium is still awaiting the final approval of RFL.
Salford was last month Issued a reduced sustainability hood of £ 1.2 million. And ordered to sell players of the Rugby Football League (RFL), who came two months after colleague Super League pages agreed to give them a progress in 2025 central distribution money.
Principal coach Paul Rowley had a reduced team available for last weekend’s Challenge Cup victory against Midlands Hurricanes, with the restrictions still not resolved in time for their trip to the fully evil stadium on Saturday night (at 5.30 pm kick-off).
In a statement, the club said: “Salford Red Devils can confirm that the club will still be under the limitations of the sustainability hood for this weekend’s opening of Betfred Super League luminaire against St. Helens on Saturday 15 February.
“As such, the club will mark a team of predominantly reserve players over the weekend. After the change of ownership, all documents have been submitted to RFL for final approval that is still ongoing.
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The bench’s Jenna and Jon look back on how Salford Red Devils appeared in the 2024 season
“Although the club is disappointed to still be under the restriction, there is an understanding that the process requires the appropriate time to end and we comply with each request as it is given.
“It is hoped that this will be completed in time for the season’s first domestic fixture against Leeds Rhinos on Saturday 22 February.”
Who will perform for St. Helens?
Head coach Paul Wellens makes nine changes to the team used for their win over West Hull last weekend in the Betfred Challenge Cup, where senior Saints return to their league opener.
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St. Helens’ Jack Welsby is hopeful that they can take the Super League trophy home after they ended the sixth last season, their lowest finish in Super League ever
Kyle Feldt could make his official club debut, while colleagues recruit Tristan Sailor and Lewis Murphy – who both scored last Saturday on their holy debut, could make their first league’s appearances for St. Helens.
Young guns Noah Stephens and Harry Robertson hold on to their places in the 21-man team after impressing last week.
St. Helens’ team: 1. Jack Welsby, 2. Kyle Feldt, 4th Mark Percival, 5. Jon Bennisone, 6. Tristan Sailor, 7. Jonny Lomax, 8. Alex Walmsley, 9. Daryl Clark, 10. Matty Lees, 11. Curtis Siron, 12. Joe Batchelor, 13. Morgan Knowles, 14. Moses Mbye, 15. James Bell, 16. Matt Whitley, 17. Agnatius Paasi, 18. 26. Harry Robertson.
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