Salford RLFC Championship season so far

Salford Red Devils were part of a writeoff petition on the 3rd December 2025. After a horrific season in Super League which started with enthusiasm with new owners promising a bright future but after months of broken promises, Broken dreams and broken hearts and 86 players  the Salford Red Devils club were finally declared deceased.

The phoenix club rose from the ashes in January and after a leadership competition between Mason Caton Brown and Chris Irwin the RFL announced that Masons consortium were to be given to the chance to rebuild the club.

Ryan Brierley former Salford player, Paul Hancock, Malcom Crompton were announced as part of the  leadership group.

Salford RLFC 1st Head Coach was Mike Grady.

Grady previously worked for the club as head coach of the women's team in 2023 and also held roles at Widnes Vikings and Rochdale Hornets.
He and the leadership group was tasked to build a squad in 11 days as Salford faced Oldham in 1st game of the championship season.

The 16th January 2026 was a historic day as Salford RLFC played their 1st game at home to Oldham, despite a 0-44 defeat the fans were very happy to have the team back.
The Newly formed club and us the fans didn’t have long to wait to see the teams 1st victory, this came in the Challenge cup against Hammersmith Hills Hoiste. Brad Dwyer Salfords hooker made history as being Salford RLFC 1st ever try scorer and despite a long journey to London every mile traveled was worth it for the Salford faithful as Salford RLFC ran out comfortable winners 10-42.
The next two games ended in heavy defeats against Barrow and Hull FC in the Challenge Cup . The highlight was Salford RLFC 1st league try scorer Olie Garmston scoring a try at Barrow.
The next Home game was against Hunslet. Salford invested heavily into the loan market bringing in  Nathan Lowe, Lukas Mason, Noah Hodkinson Taylor Kerr and George O’Loughlin – son of former Warriors legend Sean O’Loughlin gave us some strength in depth.
Two tries from Noah Hodkinson, a “ I was there” try by Olie Garmston 5 goals from Nathan Lowe and a stunning drop goal by Salford Standoff Toby Hughes gave Mike Grady his 1st Championship win 29-18

Heavy defeats against London, Doncaster and Workington unfortunately signaled a change at the top as Head coach Mike Grady left his position.
His Assistant Dave Hewitt took over as Head Coach as the club  searched for a permanent head coach.
Despite defeat against Halifax in the next game 22-28 confidence was up and this resulted in back to back wins for Dave Hewitts lads beating Swinton in the Derby @ Swinton on Easter Monday 10-22 Sam Bowring crashing over to win the game and a dramatic 29-28 win against Batley with Loanee from Warrington Leon Hayes 40 metre drop goal the catalyst for the win.
The run of wins came to a end as defeat in the 1895 cup against Doncaster, Sheffield away in the league and home to Widnes.
Salford got back to winning ways by beating Halifax 28-34 away, coming back from 28-4 down and a potential banana skin against NW Cruisaders was negotiated with a professional performance which ended 0-86.
The Players
The players that have represented Salford RLFC have been outstanding, thrown in at the deep end because of the circumstances the club had found its self in is currently sitting 12th in the championship with 5 wins and 10 points. This figure was beyond any Salford fans wildest dreams when the club had been formed back in January.

Brad Dwyer Captain and is now Dave Hewitts assistant has been sensational both on the field and off it. His experience has helped the younger lads develop is a major reason why the club and team find its self where it is now.
Ollie Garmston, Toby Hughes, Reece Stanton Shaun Costello and Joe Hartley have grown as the season has gone on and are now key players going forward in 2026.
The Signings of Jack Bibby and Sam Bowring permanently gave everyone a huge lift, their size, aggression and experience in tight games and off the field allowed the squad to develop further.

I’ve named a few players there but it’s a squad game, everyone has been superb.  Even the trainers / physios behind the scenes who won’t get the lime light have managed to get the players fit and healthy and ready compete week in week out.
Dave Hewitts skills as head coach is there for all to see. Despite being young he has handled the situation he has found himself in like a 20 year coaching veteran. He has his players playing for him and themselves. A team with this much belief will be dangerous for any opponents going forward.
Over the last few weeks I’ve had the opportunity to speak to Dave and get to know him a bit and as well as a great Coach he a great person too. He deserves all the plaudits he is getting and future successes to come. A Championship head coach of the season nomination must be in the post.
With some winnable games coming up for Salford RLFC if Dave Hewitts boys can win them and cause a couple of upsets against clubs who have bigger player budgets Playoff rugby can’t be discounted for 2026. But if it does not materialise then the season is still a massive success.
Fans

We are still riding a positive wave of enthusiasm, after last seasons darkest day just to have a club to follow is a plus.
It took a little while to re adjust our view point from Super League to the championship but we have all embraced it and supported the players on the field the best we can. We understand the situation, the journey we are on and the time it may take to get back to the big time. 
The club and leadership group have taken huge strides in recent weeks and months. The leadership group set out a manifesto of being subtainable and competitive while rebuilding the club. They have delivered on this.
With the Launch of the Future Pathway programme, the Rising star programme and holding captain runs at local amateur clubs in the city of Salford shows the engagement with the local rugby comminity is now a huge positive the club’s can build on.
The Salford Foundation have always been a huge asset in the community and a huge grant given to them from the National Lottery will only help grow their programmes in the city of Salford and beyond.

The Salford Supporters Trust is independent from the club  but I feel they deserve a mention too. Memberships are up on last year by over 150 people and this has helped them give the club money to help it’s development by buying equipment and put on some fantastic fundraising events like the Mike Crossley sportsman’s dinner and everybodies favourite Sponsor a Try.
I urge you to join the trust and join the new look Lottery. A strong trust will help create a strong club.
The Salford RLFC rollercoaster rides on to the end of the season, we are all on the same journey and enjoying the ride. Win or lose we are still here supporting the club to continue to grow and get better in 2026 and beyond.
Robert ParkinsonPictures by Steve McCormick