So far in 2025 turbulent weeks have become at regular occurrence for Salford and their supporters. This week things had got much worse with lots of senior players leaving, stories of bills not being paid for essential things a sporting club needs. Jack Ormondroyd and Ryan Brierley departed to join Championship side Oldham. These two have formed the cornerstone of this Salford side. With more players set to follow this week before the transfer deadline it looks like the whole situation will become even more desperate.

Even the small amount of players left at the club were not all available for the visit to Hull FC. Some missing through injury, some preparing to move on, this left Paul Rowley the thankless task of putting a team together with loan players drafted in throughout the hectic week. 

Riley Lumb, Kieran Nolan, Ben Littlewood, Brad Dwyer, Harvey Makin, Taylor Kerr and Jake Davies all arrived from Super League clubs Leeds, Wigan, St.Helens and Leigh. 

The weather in Hull was beautiful. A lovely warm sunny afternoon met the players as they warmed up.

The spirit behind the sticks amongst the Salford Supporters was truly heart warming. That sense of comradeship in adversity cannot be bought. Everyone believed in the same thing and wanted to protect the good name of Salford RLFC including those young players that had come in to help us. 

The home side started fast and were 10-0 up early thanks to tries from their exciting wing partnership of Lewis Martin and Harvey Barron. These two lads were shining lights last season when Hull FC were really struggling. Now they are blossoming into very good Super League players. 

Justin Sangare came close to scoring as Salford decided to run a penalty close to the try line. The pass was adjudged forward and moment later a breakaway try so Jed Cartwright race away to touch down for the hosts.

Salford were then hit by an absolute whirlwind. Hull FC scored five tries without Salford touching the ball. Zak Hardacker converted all five to add the quick fire thirty points to the home sides total. Cade Cust squeezed over just before the break and at half time Salford were trailing 50-0.

It was a strange atmosphere behind the sticks at the break. The supporters were in good spirits and some of the humour that was banded about had me chuckling. Comforting words were passed from one another. No one was hiding from the diabolical situation we find ourselves in under the ‘ownership’!

Hull FC  added five tries in the second half but at times got a little excited and tended to over play the situation. This gave Salford some breathing space and possession. Loghan Lewis was the captain and his enthusiasm and raw spirit epitomised how we were all feeling in the stand. 

Salford won a captains challenge which surprised everyone and the lads kept pressing go points. They were finally rewarded when Brad Dwyer scooted over to score a well deserved try. The respect from the home supporters was fantastic to see.

Riley Lumb kicked the goal and it finished 80-6.

Both sets of players gathered on the halfway line in a huddle in what was a very emotional sight. Salford then walked over to clap and thank the travelling supporters but the Hull FC players joined them in a fantastic showing of solidarity! 

All the Salford supporters want is answers. Something to cling on to, something to hope for and work towards! For the ‘owners’ to continue in silence it’s a betrayal of trust and integrity. 

The supporters are the heart and soul of this club. That in its self is so powerful and should never be underestimated by people in suits who smell nice!

Hull FC 80 Salford 6.

Paul Whiteside.

Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos!