An unnamed Salford player has been released by the club for not shaking their coach driver’s hand, it has been claimed.
The rugby league star didn’t shake the driver’s hand when the team arrived at a RFL Championship fixture.
Salford’s chief executive Ryan Brierley has revealed the strange story and why the player was let go for his actions.
Brierley told the Bring On The Salford podcast: “We released a player because he didn’t shake the bus driver’s hand. Simple as that.
“Looking back now, could we have done with him? Probably.
“Every team’s recruitment culture will be, ‘get good people first.’ I’m not sure many people believe it.
“I’m not sure there are many teams who won’t compromise on it either.
“We’ve turned down way better players than what we’ve got now in favour of good people – fact. It’s not something I’m willing to compromise on.”
He then concluded: “Good players will win you a trophy, a good culture will win you ten.”
A respectful new beginning
Salford CEO Brierley has seemingly been very strict when creating a new environment in the team following its reform.
The club’s RFL membership was terminated in December 2025 and they were liquidated after 152 years.
But soon after that nightmare news, they were reformed and handed entry into the Championship for the 2026 season.
2
Salford are currently sitting 12th in the table this campaign, but eyes are already moving onto the 2027 term.
Brierley thinks that his team, with their strong culture and further signings of ‘good’ people, can challenge for the title.
He said: “I want to win the league and I believe it’s possible – but not on the playing budget we have now.
“I want to be part of this new Salford era and be the first chief executive to hold that trophy.
“I do believe with a £300,000 playing budget we can achieve something pretty special.”
Salford currently have £150,000 available for wages, so if they can double that, they may well challenge at the top next season.