Leeds Rhinos close in on Brodie Croft after contract breakthrough

[josie andrews]

The Rhinos have taken a significant stride towards securing the former Man of Steel.

Leeds Rhinos are on the verge of completing a deal for Brodie Croft after a breakthrough moment in negotiations. Rugby League Live understands an agreement has been reached between the Rhinos and Croft's representatives which will see allow the transfer of the former Man of Steel winner to be finalised.

Leeds and Croft's current club, Salford Red Devils, had already agreed terms on the transfer of the player, allowing Leeds to discuss personal details. However, for several days it appeared that a deal might not be reached given the complex nature of the discussions.

First and foremost, Croft, rather than being unsure about a move to the Rhinos, is reluctant to leave Salford. The halfback is understood to be settled and had no intentions of leaving a club where he had revitalised his career after a difficult stint in the NRL. He has bought a house local to the area and the fact he was named Super League's best player in 2022 demonstrated that coach Paul Rowley knew how to get the best out of him. Croft's departure is very much a boardroom decision, rather than the player wanting out.

Beyond that, Croft also has the biggest contract in Super League at Salford. On a seven-year deal earning marquee money, along with NRL release clauses, that made it difficult for the Rhinos to present an attractive offer from a financial standpoint. Up until earlier this week, there was a feeling a deal might not be agreed.

However, considerable progress is thought to have been made in recent days and all indications suggest Leeds will get their man in a deal that will see the Rhinos pay a substantial fee, thought to be in the region of £200,000. He will become Leeds' final quota player, with the club already signing Paul Momirovski, Lachie Miller and Matt Frawley for the 2024 season. Frenchman Mickael Goudemand has also been confirmed while Kieran Hudson, from Castleford Tigers, will also join the club.

As for Salford, Croft will become the second player they have sold in recent months, having also struck a deal with Wigan Warriors for Tyler Dupree. Oli Partington, another key player for Rowley, is in talks over a move to Warrington Wolves. That deal could see Salford sign Wire prop Joe Bullock as part of the deal.

https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/rugb ... t-27893517

[Charriots Offiah]

We may be seeing the demise of Salford unless they can find a financial backer.

[Wiganer Ted]

Perhaps getting Croft's sizeable salary off their wage bill might help the overall finances.
I do hope so as selling their best players doesn't look good.

[Charriots Offiah]

Perhaps getting Croft's sizeable salary off their wage bill might help the overall finances.
I do hope so as selling their best players doesn't look good.

Maybe that was always the plan? Get a transfer fee and reduce their costs.

[Firestarter]

They will ruin him like they did with sezer

[Mike]

We may be seeing the demise of Salford unless they can find a financial backer.

They've got to live within their means dont they? They have support, and its commited support too as shown by their fund raiser, but they can't spend more than their income. Surely once they've got their immediate cash flow under control they can budget to run a squad that they can afford? If that's not good enough for SL then they'll have to either grow their income or accept that the club is more important than the division they are playing in.

[josie andrews]

We may be seeing the demise of Salford unless they can find a financial backer.

They've got to live within their means dont they? They have support, and its commited support too as shown by their fund raiser, but they can't spend more than their income. Surely once they've got their immediate cash flow under control they can budget to run a squad that they can afford? If that's not good enough for SL then they'll have to either grow their income or accept that the club is more important than the division they are playing in.

Mm, it’s such a shame they’re in financial difficulties, I always had a soft spot for Salford

Just hope they get a good price for him if he goes to Leeds or if he wants to stay at Salford, as he says he wants to, he will need to take a cut in salary.

[fozzieskem]

Sadly shows the whip round they had earlier in the season still isn't enough for them can't keep going back to that well expecting people to throw money into the club,it's such a shame because let's be fair they play a good game of rugby.

Let's hope they can tempt a backer with serious money and no ego to the club bena shame to lose them

[ian.birchall]

Sadly shows the whip round they had earlier in the season still isn't enough for them can't keep going back to that well expecting people to throw money into the club,it's such a shame because let's be fair they play a good game of rugby.

Let's hope they can tempt a backer with serious money and no ego to the club bena shame to lose them

I always buy a Euromillions ticket on any Friday the 13th for extra luck, win tonight and I will be able to keep Salford going.

[josie andrews]

Done deal announced yesterday!

Poor Paul Rowley, poor Salford