Salford bolster squad with forward signing
Salford have signed former Widnes forward Alex Gerrard from Leigh on a one-year deal.
Gerrard, 30, came through the ranks at Widnes and spent eight years with the club before departing at the end of 2018.
A spell in Australia with Mackay Cutters followed and he returned to the UK with Leigh in 2020.
He said: “There’s a good squad here at Salford, I’m looking forward to working hard to get into the 17.
“I want to be consistent in my performances and contribute positively to the group.”
Gerrard is re-united with Salford assistant coach Kurt Haggerty, who he played alongside at Widnes and worked under at Leigh last season.
Haggerty was interim head coach at the Centurions following the departure of John Duffy.
Prop Gerrard made 14 appearances for Leigh as they failed to avoid relegation from Super League.
Haggerty said: “It’s great to be working with Alex again. His ability as a front rower and his work rate will be really beneficial to the team moving forward.
“It’s great to have him on board for 2022.”
Coach on Alex Gerrard boosting the squad
Gerrard was a regular for Widnes in their first four seasons back in Super League from 2012, but was restricted to 32 appearances in his final three seasons.
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Head coach Paul Rowley added: “I’m really pleased to add Alex Gerrard to the squad. He’s got lots of experience at the top level and will add much needed depth and competition to the team, which we all understand will be paramount during this season.
“One of our strengths at Salford is the team spirit and Alex will fit in very well.”
Gerrard is a welcome addition to boost Rowley’s squad ahead of the 2022 season.
Rowley had expressed a desire to increase numbers to help the Red Devils avoid forfeiting any games should there be a COVID outbreak.
Fellow forwards Sitaleki Akauola (Warrington), King Vuniyayawa (Leeds) and Shane Wright (North Queensland) have been added in the off-season.
Half-backs Marc Sneyd (Hull) and Brodie Croft (Brisbane) have been Salford’s headline signings.