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Salford RLFC set for Friday’s Betfred Championship opener

Plenty of positivity coming out of Salford as their new era continues…

Salford RLFC set for Friday’s Betfred Championship opener

Salford RLFC are in action against local rivals Oldham RLFC tomorrow night, with Friday set to be a special one for the city of Salford.

The rebuild of Salford rugby league has begun, where Friday night won’t just be an opening fixture – it’s going to be a celebration.

In December, new phoenix club, Salford RLFC Ltd, were granted RFL Membership approval for a new Salford based team and entry into the 2026 Betfred Championship, following the liquidation of Betfred Super League side, Salford Red Devils.

Former Red Devils winger Mason Caton-Brown leads the new ownership consortium of Salford RLFC, with former captain and fan favourite Ryan Brierley returning as the CEO of his beloved boyhood club.

Everyone is excited to see Salford return to the field, and signings have been well and truly underway in preparation for Friday night’s game.

The club have continued to add to their ranks in recent weeks and have today announced one final addition to the side ahead of tomorrow’s home derby in Super League veteran Brad Dwyer. He signs on a permanent deal.

The 2026 team will be coached by Mike Grady, as Salford look to rise once more.

Salford are also set the welcome several special guests tomorrow evening, from VIPs to past players, as well as individuals who have been part of the Salford story throughout the years.

This includes former Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel winners Brodie Croft and Jackson Hastings, who won the award during their respective career stints at Salford, with former head coach Paul Rowley and Player and Director of Rugby Ian Blease also in attendance.

Past players such as Chris Hill, Kallum Watkins and Marc Sneyd will be there to show their support and are joined by two notable names in women’s football - Jess Park of Manchester United, and Liv Cooke, the freestyle football world champion.

Popular Manchester City presenter and Twitch streamer, Faraaz ‘FG’ Ghaffur is also there to cheer on the new Salford side.

Passion, pride and sustainability are at the heart of this new era, with Salford’s message clear – their 2026 is about getting rugby back on the pitch and supporters back in the stands and bringing everyone together.

Ryan Brierley said: “We’re looking forward to Friday night and can’t wait to see you all there.”

Mason Caton-Brown also said: “I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support over the past few weeks. Every ticket is helping us build the club back to where it needs to be.”

Tomorrow’s Round 1 clash will kick off at 8pm at the CorpAcq Stadium, with tickets available here.

Salford season tickets can be purchased here, with the new Salford kits for 2026 landing here.

Fans can also follow Salford RLFC on social media - Facebook – Salford RLFC, X - @Salford_RLFC, Instagram - rlfcsalford.

 

The full fixture list for the new Betfred Championship season can be found here.