In the second instalment of our ‘Best Of’ series, we take a look back at Ethan Ryan’s fine first season in Salford colours.
In late 2023, the Ireland international put pen to paper on a three-year deal and became Paul Rowley’s second signing of the transfer window.
With a total of 110 career tries in spells with Bradford Bulls and Hull KR, everyone knew we were getting a winger with an impressive track record of scoring points.
However, Ryan has showcased he can bring much more to the team in his overall play, both in defence and attack.
“I pride myself on the little efforts that probably go unnoticed sometimes,” Ryan said, speaking exclusively to our YouTube channel.
“Obviously I can play wing, fullback, so I can add a lot in attack – try scoring and that sort of ability.
“But I think just the little one percenters and helping out the team in little ways that I can all over the field – that’s what you’ll notice from me.”
Ryan was struck down with a hand injury in the back end of 2023, so only made his Club debut in Round 5 against Wigan Warriors.
Speaking a few days after the game, the winger was happy to be back amongst it and looked forward to building a successful campaign with his teammates.
True to his pedigree, it wasn’t long until Ryan was on the scoresheet for the Reds, notching a brace against Leigh Leopards in our next Super League outing.
After two early Ryan Brierley tries, the Irish winger was handed an opportunity after some quick Salford hands down the left edge. Ryan still had plenty to do, but cut inside perfectly to beat two defenders and crash over.
The second was more fortunate, but Ryan was on hand to pick up a loose ball and touch down to seal the two points.
He quickly became a permanent part of Paul Rowley’s starting thirteen and impressed fans and pundits alike with his extra efforts in defense.
In Round 9, he was awarded Player of the Match in a game that saw him rack up 114 metres across the 80 minutes in our 17-12 victory over Warrington Wolves.
He backed that up a week later by finishing a stunning, team try.
An emphatic first-half performance from Salford at the John Smith’s Stadium handed the Reds a fourth consecutive win and Ryan’s effort was one we’re sure you could watch over and over again.
Why not do that with our Behind the Sticks angle of a stunning victory.
Ryan didn’t miss a game for Salford between Rounds 8-26 and was a big part of some huge victories over St Helens, Leeds and Warrington again.
A pick of his six tries in 2024 was a beautiful interception against Castleford Tigers, where he opened up to show his pace and create some crucial distance on the scoreboard.
He made a staggering 229 metres across the contest and was a huge driving force behind our return to winning ways.
Catching up with the winger after our home victory against Hull FC, he admitted his volume of tries wasn’t where he wanted it to be, but felt his overall game was just as important.
His performances in the playoff run-in showcased just that.
What turned out to be a consolation try, two minutes from time in our Eliminator clash was our final effort of the 2024 season – one Ryan will look positively on as he aims for even more in 2025.
RYAN’S 2024 IN NUMBERS
Appearances: 22
Tries: 6
Try Assists: 5
Line breaks: 12
Metres made: 2926
Tackle breaks: 52
RYAN ON ROWLEY AND HIS FIRST SEASON
“I haven’t had an English coach for a while. The past few years I’ve had Australian coaches, so it was a little bit different to what I’ve been used to, particularly during my time in Super League.
“But I’m happy to say I’m finally playing rugby with a smile back on my face.
“He has a lot of trust in us as players and everybody is sort of on the same page here and I’ve really enjoyed my time under him in my first year.”
