Former Salford Red Devils player Jackson Hastings has expressed his dismay at the club’s ongoing financial troubles, labelling the situation as “a joke.” For the second consecutive month, players and staff were not compensated on time, raising serious concerns about the club’s stability after it was acquired by a consortium led by businessman Dario Berta shortly before the season commenced in mid-February.
The acquisition was anticipated to resolve the club’s existing debts, yet complications have persisted. Prior to the new ownership, Salford was sanctioned for exceeding the salary cap. In January, the club faced a $2.46 million AUD sustainability cap, compelling them to release players and limiting their roster registrations to within this financial framework. This predicament was starkly highlighted by their stunning 82-0 defeat to St Helens in the opening round of the season.
At the end of February, it was revealed that despite the change in ownership, players and staff still had not received their payments. A subsequent payment was made following the match against Castleford, but uncertainty surrounded who had facilitated this payment. The financial issues resurfaced on Thursday (AEDT), when the club announced it had failed to deliver payroll as scheduled.
In a statement, the club acknowledged the challenging circumstances, expressing appreciation for the support from fans and partners during this tumultuous time. However, they highlighted the need for a similar commitment from those in charge to ensure the club’s viability.
Hastings, who made 41 appearances for Salford, remarked on social media how distressing the situation is, particularly for players with families. He emphasised that the ongoing issues are severely impacting lives and called for appropriate remuneration for the players. His sentiments resonated with former England representative Jon Wilkin, who recently stated that the situation is “rank,” suggesting that the lack of communication and persisting financial mismanagement is unacceptable.
The ongoing crisis at Salford Red Devils not only jeopardises the players’ livelihoods but also raises questions about the club’s management and future in the sport. The expectation for competitive performance amidst such turmoil only compounds the challenges faced by the players and staff, who strive to maintain professionalism in the face of uncertainty.