Salford Red Devils have landed the signature of Toronto Wolfpack hooker Andy Ackers.
The 26-year-old will be available to play with immediate effect and will be at the AJ Bell Stadium until the end of the 2022 season.
Ackers will play under Head Coach, Ian Watson, and coaching consultant, Paul Rowley, whom he’d previously played under at Swinton Lions and Toronto respectively.
Following the signing, Ackers said: “It’s brilliant to be linking up with them again.
“I’ve spoken to Watto and Rowls and they’ve said my game’s going to fit in really well here. I’ve really enjoyed playing with Watto before. He gave me options that suited my style of play.
He added: “I took no persuading once I knew Salford were interested.
“Now I just can’t wait for us to get playing. I’ve been keeping myself at top fitness during lockdown, for when this season gets back underway.”
Ackers has been a key member of the Wolfpack squad in recent years, being an ever present in their 2019 promotion campaign. In the Betfred Super League, he has continued to be a key figure, contributing the most passes and third highest number of tackles of any player in their squad during the 2020 season.
Head coach Ian Watson said: “Andy will prove to be a great signing for Salford. He’s a player who’s coming into his prime and will add a real attacking threat, especially around the ruck, with his speed and skills, while also stiffening us up defensively.
“I’m pleased to have the opportunity to work with Andy again, as myself and Rowls have already had the experience of working with him.
“He made his senior debut at 19 and his energy and sheer determination to be one of the best nines really stands out in the way he competes at training and in games.
“This year, in Super League his performances have gotten stronger every week and Andy will complement the players in our squad, to make us a stronger team.”
The signing of Ackers follows recent contract extensions for Luke Yates and Salford captain Lee Mossop.
Director of rugby & operations Ian Blease said: “I’ve been watching Andy’s career develop over some years now and I always thought that if Andy became available at the right time, I would like to see him wear the Salford shirt.
“Andy fits into the club’s work ethic and culture we’ve been building for some years now. He’s extremely talented and he can now go on to become a great player within our organisation.
“Thank you to Toronto, who have been professional throughout this process. Ensuring Andy is able to join us as soon as we resume training is a real bonus for our club.”
Ackers will now join up with a number of his former teammates, including Rhys Williams and Elliott Kear, whom he represented London Broncos alongside.
Image credit: Vaughn Ridley/SWPix
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