Salford RLFC have added another loanee to their squad for Friday’s Championship opener with an exciting half joining Mike Grady’s squad.

Oldham will visit Salford RLFC on Friday night for the opening game of the Championship season with emotions expected to be high as Salford play their first match since being taken over by the phoenix bid led by Mason Caton-Brown.

Plenty of old faces will be in attendance with Paul Rowley among those confirmed to be a special guest at the match, however, on the pitch will be plenty of new faces.

Whilst Mike Grady’s side have assembled a squad of 20 players as well a further five loanees, very few will be familiar to the fans with a number of amateur players given chances.

Leigh Leopards have loaned four players to Salford and now a rival Championship club have sent a half-back out on loan with Widnes Vikings’ Toby Hughes making the switch.

Salford RLFC sign Championship half

Hughes signed for Widnes back in November, arriving from League One winners North Wales Crusaders where he had made 28 appearances across two seasons.

However, he now departs on loan to start the season but Widnes do have a call-back option on the loan deal with Widnes keen to help Hughes gain further experience.

Widnes coach Allan Coleman said: “It’s vital that our fringe players get game time consistently. We need Toby to be match fit if we get injuries and have to call upon him.

“He’s a young half who’s developing well and playing regularly is key for him, so it’ll be great to see how he goes on Friday.”

Hughes will have a stiff task against him having joined on such short notice in a team that has been put together late in the off-season, especially coming up against Oldham who are one of the favourites for silverware this season.

With Hughes’ addition, it takes Salford’s squad to 20 permanent signings and five loanees, all of whom can be seen below.

Salford RLFC squad for 2026

Sam Hill, Josh Wagstaffe, Jacob Andrews-Smith, Joe Hartley, Lewis Pilling, Jack Gatcliffe, Charlie Glover, Leunbou Bardyel-Wells, Fin Yates, Cole Appleby, Noah Appleby, Oscar Hansen, Ollie Garmston, Damolo Ayanlaja-Lowo, Owen Haldenby, Will Tilleke, Reece Stanton, Matthew Ross, Liam Cooper, Rafael Van Osselaer, Ryan Brown (loan), Will Brough (loan), Oliver Polec (loan), Nathan Wilde (loan), Toby Hughes (loan)

💥 Another announcement 🔴⚫️

We’re delighted to welcome Toby Hughes on loan from Widnes to Salford RLFC.

It’s been a quick-fire week of progress & we’re nearly ready for Friday night! 🙌#SalfordRLFC pic.twitter.com/udx80UR2ji

— Salford RLFC (@Salford_RLFC) January 14, 2026