In 2023 he’s made 29 appearances, 18 try contributions and now a three year contract deal. 31-year-old fullback, Ryan Brierley will be continuing his rugby career with Salford Red Devils after signing a three year deal – and he couldn’t be happier.
After winning Supporters’ Player and Coaches’ Player of the Year at the end of last season, it seems the Devils weren’t ready to let go of Ryan just yet and he wasn’t ready to let go of them either.
Ryan said: “I think it’s no secret, I’ve probably found my best form and best rugby at Salford under Paul Rowley. It was never my intention to leave and it was never Salford’s intention to let me go. It’s nice to have that certainty and clarity about my future.”
Ryan’s relationship with Paul Rowley was a convincing reason to stick with the Devils, the trust and friendship between them has spurred Ryan’s career on and Rowley’s support on and off the pitch is something Ryan is very grateful for.
Always thought you were a vastly underrated player Ryan.
All the best for next season, just have a stinker when you play the Saints 😀— Gordon McQueen’s Warm Up MBE (@antwright21) November 29, 2023
He said: “I don’t know how he does it, he gets the best out of me, he trusts me, I trust him. Whether it be criticism or praise, he just knows how to work me better than anyone. I see him as a friend. I’ll be forever grateful for what he’s done for me but ultimately I think we share the same goal professionally, and that’s to win a trophy together.”
“I think it’s the best group I’ve ever been in involved in and being around good people and working under a coach and a coaching staff that really believe in me. We’ve all got a bond and a friendship, that can’t be matched,” Ryan said.
A three year contract from the Devils is a great opportunity and for Ryan, it means stepping up to help the team reach it’s full potential in the 2024 season. Although, it already sounds like likes he eats lives and breathes rugby league.
Ryan added: “The lads will tell you I’m a bit of a rugby nerd, I’m someone they trust to deliver a message in the right way. I think I’m professional so hopefully I can be a good role model to the young guys in the team.”
Hyping up the team isn’t the only impact Ryan wants to make on the team this year, as a fullback he knows he’s the last line of defence and conceding the least tries as possible is his responsibility.
“I just think if I can make positive influences week in, week out, defensively I think that’s what gains you the respect from your teammates and your coaches,” he said.
However, the Devils didn’t have the year they hoped for finishing in 7th place in the 2023 Super League and Ryan felt this season they have plenty to work on.
He added: “Our attack as team probably wasn’t as fluent and clinical as it has been in recent years. Defensively my side of the game was something I wanted to work on and improve and I feel like I’ve made a small step to improving my side of the game.”
Ryan has every faith in team and is already looking to the end of the 2024 season and can see a trophy shaped silhouette on the horizon.
“I think as a team we want to win a trophy, that’ how I define success and failure is making sure that we win a trophy, which is first and foremost my goal for us as a team. Paul (Rowley) in particular, he wants to win every week and that was a big part of me wanting to stay.”
So is the team ready and raring to go for the 2024 season? With new signings and lots of passion Ryan thinks the Devils are in for the win next year.
“It’s important that you’re squad doesn’t get stagnant. I think the introduction of Kai (Morgan) and Amir (Foster), they bring an energy for the older lads like me. Kai (Morgan) especially, is a cheeky chappie and I love that, it reminds me of when I was young and he just loves rugby. I think he’ll be a really good player for us so we can hopefully accelerate his progress by playing a number of games this year” Ryan said.
Ryan’s journey is far from over. For the next three years, Salford Red Devils will continue to be his team and together he hopes they can strive to be better than last season, and maybe lift a trophy or two.
“We’re a team who competes every single week and we’ve got a coach who wants to win a trophy and that certainly meets my ambition, so I’m looking forward to that and I won’t give up until It’s done.”
Featured image picture credit: Paul Curry.
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