Salford RLFC CEO, Ryan Brierley, has outlined his intentions to use the loan market this season, as he looks to form a squad that can compete in the Championship in 2026.
Brierley, who spoke exclusively to Serious About Rugby League over the weekend, gave an update on recruitment, and how his side are shaping up ahead of the club’s first match against Oldham on January 16.
He said: “Pretty much every club has reached out to me wanting to help, which is the main thing, and the fact they can offer so much help straight off the bat is pretty special… 11 players are done, that will be a blend of ex-reserve players, Championship players and a few lads that have come out of academy and reserve teams. That’s where we’re at.”
Even if it is just for that opening game against the Roughyeds, Salford need at least six more players to form a side, and even more than that to build a weekly squad. With that in mind, we have opted to take a look at some Super League players that could benefit from a move to the club.
Seven Super League players that could benefit from a Salford move
Oli Leyland
The Warrington half-back is currently recovering from an ACL injury he picked up in May, and whilst he won’t be fit for the start of the year, could be an option that Salford go for in the longer-term. Having a settled spine is so crucial to a team’s performance, and if the 24-year-old can stay fit upon his return, would be a solid option for Brierley and the club.
It seems as though he is Wire’s fifth-choice half-back, with George Williams, Marc Sneyd, Leon Hayes and Ewan Irwin all ahead of him, so a season in the Championship could be beneficial for both player and club.
Tom Nicholson-Watton
The young Leeds prop was marred by injury in 2025, limiting him to just one appearance, which came in the Challenge Cup loss to St Helens. Whilst he may get a chance in the Leeds first team, something that is deserved, a short-term move to Salford to build up his match fitness could be something that the Rhinos opt to do. We know Ian Blease’s connections with Salford, so don’t be surprised if the Headingley outfit will be sending some of their prospects to the club.
Max Wood
Another Warrington man, Wood has been on the fringes of the Wire first team for the past two years. He has made 28 appearances for the club, often featuring from the bench, but the additions Sam Burgess has brought in suggest he could be having less playing time in 2025, so a loan move to keep his match fitness up to speed would help his development.
Joe Phillips
Hull FC’s off-season signing, Phillips joins the club from Goole Vikings, so is already experienced in playing senior rugby, as opposed to academy. He made nine appearances for the Vikings this year, and with first-team game time at Hull looking unlikely, particularly at the start of the year, a short-term switch to Salford could put him in contention for a place in the side upon his return.
Jacob Douglas
The former Wigan winger moved to St Helens this off-season, but currently faces plenty of competition ahead of him. Nene MacDonald, Owen Dagnall, Kyle Feldt, Deon Cross and Lewis Murphy will all be fighting for the two starting wing spots so, like the rest of these choices, a move to Salford keeps his fitness and gives him a chance to excel in the second tier.
Jonny Vaughan
A man very familiar with Salford in it’s previous identity, the ex-Saints centre was on-loan at the club in 2025, making 12 appearances. Whilst the reserves competition is a good way for fringe players to keep up their minutes, playing against better opposition week in, week out is just as, if not more beneficial.
Cain Robb
Another man who was on loan at Salford this year, Castleford hooker, Robb, would be an excellent pick-up for Brierley’s side. The Tigers’ squad numbers suggest he is behind Liam Hood and Aidan Doolan in the selection order, and with him being out of contract at the end of the year, a loan back to Salford could put him in the shop window for either an extension or a move elsewhere.
