Young gun, Charlie Glover is excited to embrace the challenges of first grade rugby league at Salford Red Devils.
The prop forward, who has already made his Betfred Super League debut, has stepped up to Paul Rowley’s squad for pre-season training.
His display against the now quadruple-winning Wigan Warriors has certainly made an impression on our coaching team, who have afforded Glover the chance to train regularly in an elite environment.
“I’m really looking forward to it.” Glover told us for the first time in anticipation of today’s announcement.
“It’s a big change for me in terms of day-to-day life really. Going from training twice a week to being in five times a week is a massive change in itself. Just the intensity of things is all different, but I’m just taking it on board and I’m excited for what the year has ahead.”
On the difference in physicality compared to Reserve grade rugby, he expanded: “Tough. Just to keep grinding it out. Some of the hours are longer that you’re doing.
“Some of the conditioning drills are usually harder anyway because these lads are experienced players and I’ve got to step up to that, which I’m doing my best.
“It’s been a tough week for me, but it’s just about working hard and getting myself on the front foot. In a few weeks I’ll find my feet and I’ll be flying, hopefully.”
Just like his debut, Glover has had to lean on experienced members of the dressing room to help with the transition, particularly with managing the fitness elements of pre-season.
“A lot of them have already helped me out anyway and as I get to know them that bond will be stronger as it goes on,” he added, “I’m really happy to get their leadership on different things – especially the con!”
As mentioned previously, Glover – alongside a few other young players – got a fantastic opportunity in our final regular round of 2024 to test their abilities against the best.
Despite a negative result, there was plenty of positive for the lads on debut, including Glover, who has recalled how special that night was on a personal note.
“Surreal. It makes me want it more. It’s put an appetite in my belly to go and do it again this year, even more if I can.
“Again, for me I knew this is what I wanted and if I can handle it against Wigan, I can handle it against pretty much any team. That feeling to do it with your mates as well was pretty special, regardless of the scoreline and how the game went, it was more just about being there with the lads and connecting with the fans as well.”
Paul Rowley has consistently gave young players a chance to flourish in an elite environment throughout his tenure as Head Coach.
Glover joins Nathan Connell and Jamie Pye as the latest three example of that in 2025’s Super League squad.
“Just about giving me the chance to experience it,” the 19-year-old explained when revealing the chats he’s had with Rowley.
“Putting me in this environment to try and make me a better player. He’s put a lot of faith in me, he’s given me a big chance to become what I want to do, so it’s up to me now to grab it with both hands.”
That chance was also afforded to Connell at the same stage last season, and it was something Glover used as motivation to kickstart his young career.
“When he came in last year it gave me a kick because I was working with him most days anyway and seeing how he was through training and off training – it was eye-opening.
“Plus he’s one of my good mates so being here with him is a good feeling because he’s helped me settle in quicker than if he wasn’t here.”
The Widnes-born forward hasn’t progressed through the usual Academy route, with the Club only awarded its license in late-May, but his story is a perfect example of how there’s alternate routes to full-time rugby.
“It shows if it doesn’t work out the first time than there’s always a second chance for you as long as you work hard and know you want to do it, you’ve got to take your chances when they come.
“It was the tough route around it rather than the Academy, Reserves, through to the first team. It was a bit different for me, a bit rough due to injuries and other things, I didn’t get the chance to show myself. But then I managed to string myself together and get into the Reserves to kick on from there.”
