07 February 2023 , 17:30
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Delighted Salford Red Devils have staved off NRL interest by securing their Man of Steel Brodie Croft on a huge SEVEN-year contract.
The Australian stand-off was in big demand with the Super League club laughing off a reported £150,000 offer from St George Illawarra last week. But Salford have now moved to secure the stellar talent on a massive long-term deal. Ex-Melbourne Storm star Croft, who made such a brilliant impact when arriving in the UK last year, was due to be out of contract at the end of the coming season.
But Salford, who reached the Super League semi-finals, have tied him down and now plan to build their side around him. Croft’s 32 try assists earned him a spot in the 2022 Betfred Super League Dream Team alongside Red Devils team-mates, Ken Sio and Tim Lafai.
His decision to stay ahead of next week's season kick-off is a significant boost for the competition, too. Croft, 25, said: "I’m delighted to extend my time at Salford. This group of boys is something special and along with the coaching staff through to the performance staff and office staff, I’m excited at what the future holds for the club.”
Head coach Paul Rowley added: "It’s fantastic news that our current Man of Steel has made a long-term commitment to pulling on the Salford Red Devils jersey. The playing group, staff and myself are delighted that Brodie shares our vision and ambition for success and we get the chance to continue to work together going forward.
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"He’s a fantastic role model for our young supporters and a person who drives standards on and off the field. We are all very proud of the player and person Brodie is and look forward to playing a part in his career going forward."
The news will come as a massive boost to the Red Devils before the 2023 season (PA)Director of rugby and operations, Ian Blease added: "After some months of robust negotiations, I am absolutely delighted in securing Brodie's long-term future at our club. We are determined to keep our best players and the current team together for as long as possible and securing Brodie's long-term deal meets our determination.
"It is a real statement of intent to secure such a long-term deal for our club and for such a quality player, in my view, it also demonstrates that Brodie believes our philosophy and vision as a club. As a player Brodie, has been welcomed by our fans, similar to how they welcomed Jackson Hastings into our club in 2018/19.
"Brodie has had a magnificent first season in Super League, culminating in winning the Man of Steel award and can now hopefully settle down to play his best rugby with the Red Devils. I believe we are building a legacy to admire at this club and the future is one that we are all as a team so excited to be a part of."