31 January 2024 , 19:25
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Leeds signing Andy Ackers insists there’s no “hard feelings” with old club Salford but he’s still going incommunicado before their Super League opener.
The England hooker, 30, was sold to the Rhinos in October with Salford struggling financially. Ex-Man of Steel Brodie Croft also made the switch from cash-strapped Red Devils to Headingley in a big-money transfer. Typically, the two clubs are due to meet in their first game of the new campaign when Rhinos host on February 17.
Salford boss Paul Rowley has already spoken about the “heart-breaking” pain of seeing his side ripped apart and battling on with a threadbare squad after being placed in special measures. But ex-Toronto rake Ackers maintained: “I don’t know if they are doing it tough or not or anything.
“I’ve not read too much into it. I’ve still got a friendship with Paul Rowley and the friendship will forever be there. I’ll be always grateful for the knowledge he gave me as a rugby league player and the friendship we’ve had.
“There’s no hard feelings there. Everything that’s going on with Salford [financially], I’ve not a clue. I’m a Leeds Rhinos player now and committed to them for the next three years. I’m totally grateful for that and really excited.”
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Ackers lines up in Rhinos team-mate James Donaldson’s testimonial against Hull KR on Sunday. But thoughts are already turning to that Headingley humdinger in barely a fortnight’s time. Ackers said: “There’ll be a lot of emotion.
Leeds Rhinos' Andy Ackers (Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com)"It’s going to be an exciting encounter: round one, a massive build-up and, personally, I’ll probably turn my phone off the week before and just focus on becoming a better player here at the Rhinos. I want to make sure my team is ready for it. I won’t read too much into it. Whatever they have up their sleeve, they have up their sleeve. It’s whoever breaks first.”
After failing to make the play-offs last season, eight-time Grand Final winners Leeds need a big 2024. But the recruitment of Aussie stand-off Croft, Ackers and Newcastle Knights full-back Lachlan Miller has fans excited. Ackers admitted: “We’ve got a really good opportunity.
Salford Red Devils' Andy Ackers before his move to Leeds Rhinos (PA)“We’ve an amazing backline with Ash Handley who’s an incredible athlete, professional and player, you’ve Lachlan Miller coming in now and he’s so fast. You blink and he’s gone. Paul Momirovski has loads of experience. He’s strong. Harry Newman. Brodie... All those kinds of players. And we have a good pack as well. We’ve every chance of going forward and adding some silverware to this club.”
NRL Grand Final-winning centre Momirovski, who joined in the off-season from Sydney Roosters, was absent from today’s official squad picture. He’s been granted leave to return home for a prior commitment in Australia but is expected back for the Super League kick-off.