New Salford Red Devil’s signing Gavin Bennion is hoping that the sacrifices made off the pitch last season will fire him to success in The Super League in 2018.

The 24 year old made the move to the AJ Bell Stadium from Rochdale Hornets in the autumn. Being a part time player last term Bennion chose to concentrate solely on his Rugby League career without doing a day job. He admits he had to live sensibly on last seasons earnings but the hard running second rower is looking to make his mark with Salford.  Making a try scoring debut in the Red Devil’s pre season clash with neighbours Swinton Lions was a perfect start.

Pre season has been hard going for Ian Watson’s boys “it’s been really tough, fitness was one of the things I really needed to work on”. Shedding half a stone in weight the Welsh  international is looking lean and sharp ahead of the new campaign. Playing in the World Cup with Wales along side team mate Craig Kopzack was a great experience for Gavin.

Playing in Australia earlier in his career for the Mackay Cutters helped Bennion to mature. Leaving England for Queensland as a raw 20 year old “it was probably the best thing I’ve ever done, going out there on my own just in terms of growing up and learning the game”.

Prior to Salford’s Super League opener against the Wigan Warriors Gavin joined Championship side Swinton on a one-month loan deal. He didn’t travel to France for the Lions opening fixture to Toulouse but is set to make his debut at home to Rochdale Hornets next weekend.