Koukash confirms Chase is staying at Salford

Salford owner Dr Marwan Koukash has confidently asserted that star stand-off Rangi Chase is staying with the Red Devils.

Rumours about a likely exit have surrounded Chase in the last few weeks, after the player copped a seven-game ban for an illegal tackle.

But now that the suspension is set to end, Koukash expects the former England international to play a central role for Salford.

“Rangi Chase is definitely not going anywhere,” Koukash wrote in his Manchester Evening News column.

“I want to make it perfectly clear to everyone out there that he just wants to play for my club – Salford Red Devils.

“I also know that he is as committed to the cause at Salford as I am.

“Rangi is not being sold and he remains a key and central figure in our future plans. He is a fantastic player and we welcome him back this weekend.

“This is a massive boost for us. He is back from suspension.”

Koukash also feels that some of his players have been unfairly treated by the disciplinary process in recent weeks.

“While on the suspension theme, I do feel people are looking for any reason to ban my players,” he added.

“I watch many games and do believe that referees are not as strict with other teams as they are with those in Salford colours.

“They seem so ready to penalize us yet in other games, they are prepared to turn a blind eye for the same kind of things. This is unfair.”