Hull FC Prop Owen Haldenby Joins Salford RLFC as Phoenix Club Builds
The 19-year-old prop, Owen Haldenby, has signed with Salford RLFC, marking a new chapter in his rugby league career. Haldenby was released by Hull FC at the end of the last season, alongside players like Jack Ashworth, Will Gardiner, and Jordan Rapana. Despite his talent, he never made a first-team appearance for Hull FC, but his future lies with the phoenix club, Salford RLFC.
Salford RLFC, a newly established club, secured full RFL membership last month and will compete in the Championship this season. The club is owned by a consortium led by Mason Caton-Brown, with Ryan Brierley as CEO and Mike Grady as head coach. They have been actively assembling a strong squad, signing 15 players at the time of writing.
Haldenby's move to Salford is significant as he joins a team that has also signed several young members of last year's Red Devils squad. This includes Oscar Hansen and Joe Hartley, as well as other notable players like Fin Yates, Jack Gatcliffe, Josh Wagstaffe, and Lewis Pilling. The club's roster is growing, with additional signings announced on Thursday, including Sam Hill, Charlie Glover, Damola Lola, Cole Appleby, Noah Appleby, Jacob Andrews-Smith, Ollie Garmston, and Bardyel Wells.
As the season progresses, Salford RLFC aims to have a full 17-player squad for their opening match against Oldham and eventually a larger squad of around 26 players. Owen Haldenby's transition from Hull FC to Salford RLFC highlights the dynamic nature of rugby league, where players move between clubs to pursue new opportunities and contribute to the growth of the sport.
