Rugby League star Marc Sneyd has completed a move to Warrington Wolves in another significant blow for the Salford Red Devils.
The 34-year-old half-back, who last year made the shortlist for the Man of Steel award and was named in the Super League Dream Team, has signed an 18-month deal at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
The Red Devils are currently operating under a salary cap sanction imposed by the Rugby Football League, pending proof that a new takeover deal will deliver the promised financial security.
The decision to move clubs has now raised questions over the club’s ability to field a full squad in Friday night’s Challenge Cup fourth-round match against Championship side Bradford.
The Red Devils are obliged to pick from the same 17 players who were named in their squad to face Castleford last week to avoid breaching their imposed salary cap of £1.2million.
Especially after Marc Sneyd had been one of three players given special dispensation by the RFL to play against Castleford Tigers.
The half back replaced a trio who were injured or suspended, to ensure that the club could fulfil the fixture. He proceeded to kick three goals in a 22-14 defeat.
No further dispensation is understood to have been granted to Salford this week.
And with Sneyd’s departure and at least two reported injuries, Red Devils Head Coach Paul Rowley is likely to struggle to make up the numbers,
Further departures from the club look to be inevitable, given their parlous financial state and increasing concern by rival clubs over their impact on the integrity of the competition.
But Sneyd’s signing is a huge coup for Warrington Wolves, who have struggled so far this season and were comfortably beaten at home by top-flight new boys Wakefield last week.
Following the move, Sneyd said: “Warrington are up there with the top teams in the league and when the opportunity came about to join, I had to go for it.”
Marc Sneyd resigned for the Red Devils in 2022 and played 60 games for the club, after signing from Hull F.C – however, due to the recent off-field issues the Salford star, expressed that it hasn’t been easy to focus on the sport.
He continued: “It’s been difficult to think about rugby at times in recent months if I’m being honest and I’m looking forward now to rugby being my main focus again.”
Following the decision to move however, Marc shared in a club statement what the club means to him.
He said: “It’s with a heavy heart that I’ve had to make the tough decision to leave Salford in pursuit of a new opportunity. I want to go on record in thanking everyone who has made returning here so memorable and wish the Club nothing but the best in the future.
“To the lads – past and present – Paul Rowley and his coaching team, and the backroom staff, it has been a pleasure to play and work alongside you every day – I hope everything works out for everybody.
“A final big thank you to the fans. Your constant support has meant the world, and it’s always appreciated whenever I took the field.”
Salford Red Devils will be without their star-man tomorrow night (Friday 14 March) when the Red Devils face the Bradford Bulls in the Challenge Cup at the Salford Community Stadium.
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