In an off-season that has brought its fair share of challenges, the last thing Salford Red Devils needed was another. But Ken Sio’s departure has presented another problem for Paul Rowley to solve ahead of 2024.
While the sales of Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers to Leeds Rhinos caused understandable frustration among a section of the fanbase, the context surrounding Sio’s exit is much different. Personal circumstances have prevented him from returning to the UK and the Reds have done what is best by the player.
However, it inevitably leaves another void in a squad that has lost some key personnel this calendar year. Sio has been Salford’s top try-scorer for three straight seasons, a Dream Team member in 2021 and a consistent presence during his five years at the club.
To lose that calibre of talent is bad enough but to do so in December, at a time when the vast majority of players are signed up with clubs, adds a further level of complication in the pursuit of a replacement. There are players out there but they are few and far between at this stage. Lee Kershaw, the former Wakefield winger, is a free agent and there are some options overseas to explore, but it’s easier said than done.
And of course, the club is currently in special measures, which means any contractual obligation they intend to lodge will need to be looked over by the Rugby Football League before it is approved. That shouldn’t prove to be an issue but given the financial challenges the club has faced, it could be a concern.
The one positive for Salford is that they have been in situations like this before, adversity is something they’re well adept at handling and they do have options in their squad. Nene Macdonald and Deon Cross have both played on the wing in the past while they also have existing wingers Joe Burgess and Ethan Ryan, who has signed from Hull KR. The concern, naturally, is depth.
Salford will hope that 2024 proves to be a brighter year than 2023 has, both on and off the field.
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