On Saturday the 21st of April Salford RLFC Supporters’ Trust are reuniting the 1997 Salford squad  for a very special reunion event for players and supporters to share together.

The evening will see Salford RLFC Ex Players Association relaunched by Chairman Mick Henighan.

We’ll have footage, interviews and music to take you back to 1997 – come and let your hair down in this amazing venue!

Thank you to 1997 squad member Nathan McAvoy and family for hosting this event at the home of their award winning business SevenBro7hers Brewery!

Reserve your free ticket here now.

Read more about the Salford RLFC Super League Journey here as Paul Whiteside takes us back to 1997!

1997 was a year to remember for Salford RLFC. Twenty-one years ago we were the Salford Reds, promoted to the top flight after two fantastic seasons in the lower league claiming the Championship in both The Centenary season and the 1996 summer season.

The club were riding the crest of a wave, crowds were on the up and the buzz about The Willows was amazing. As well as the two great League campaigns our Challenge Cup victory over Wigan in February 1996 had given coach Andy Gregory and his squad the belief to push on to the next level. With a core of vastly experienced professionals including Andy Platt, John Cartwright, David Hulme, Mark Lee, Paul Forber and Peter Edwards the platform was laid. Add to that the young talent of Ian Watson, Darren Rogers, Nathan Mcavoy, Steve Blakeley and Gary Broadbent all the ingredients were there.

The season got off to a nerve shredding start with a 4-0 home victory to Castleford Tigers. Winger Phil Coussons scoring the only try of the game. Momentum started to build and the sides confidence soared winning the first five Super League matches as well as progressing to the Challenge cup semi final.

Unfortunately St Helens ended Salford’s Wembley dream 50-20 at Central Park in the cup semi, but such was the spirit and character of that 1997 side they turned the tables a matter of weeks later defeating the Saints 39-26 at The Willows in a memorable league match. Wigan were beaten home and away in two pulsating encounters.

New ground was also broken by The Reds competing in the World Club Challenge playing North Queensland Cowboys and Adelaide Rams over in Australia. In the return fixtures at The Willows two big crowds saw the Cowboys pushed all the way before Mark Lee came off the bench to help down the Rams with two priceless drop goals.

A solid 6th place finish and a season full of excitement warmed the hearts of the Salford supporters. We were given a season that will always be remembered fondly. A team to be proud of and a coach in Andy Gregory who wore his heart on his sleeve but gave everything to make us successful.

Come and join us in April to re-live 1997! Grab yourself a ticket here now.

All enquiries to salfordrlfcst@gmail.com