One of our very own; Ryan Brierley continues to live every single Salford Red Devils supporter’s dream out on the pitch.
Since joining his boyhood club in 2022, the 32-year-old has been Paul Rowley’s go-to fullback and his performances have certainly backed up that faith.
New signing, Cade Cust and young hooker, Amir Bourouh joined Brierley, and Marc Sneyd in a new-look spine to kickstart the campaign.
It was a new challenge for our number one, who became vice-captain following Brodie Croft’s departure – forming a three-man leadership trio with Sneyd and Kallum Watkins.
We spoke to Brierley following the announcement, where he explained what it means to represent the team he grew up watching at the Willows.
After opening day defeat to Leeds Rhinos, the Scotland international played a key role in winning three out of our next four Betfred Super League games – including a historic first in over 44 years at St Helens.
His first two tries of the campaign came in Round 6, where Brierley was celebrating his 300th career appearance against his former club, Leigh Leopards.
Working the ball right, Cust dug into the line and release Brierley at just the right time for him to score his first, diving over on the right edge.
The second was a beautifully executed move with three of the four spine members involved; Sneyd found Cust, whose reverse pass was perfect for the fullback to receive, break the line and step Gareth O’Brien to score.
Throughout his career, Brierley has made his name as an excellent support player and that was on full show against the Leopards – chosen by the sponsors on the night as Player of the Match.
We spoke to him after the game about 2024 so far, his landmark day and what he hoped to achieve in the season ahead.
A couple more tries away at Castleford Tigers saw him climb the charts and it was clear Brierley was starting to hit his groove.
Another highlight of his season was when his efforts saw Danny Walker concede a penalty-goal in the closing stages of our Round 9 clash with Warrington Wolves – six points which ultimately won Salford the game.
His 2024 was broken up by niggling injuries, but he didn’t miss much action and was often at the heart of some beautifully crafted Salford tries – his seven assists are probably the biggest testament to that.
As we headed into the run-in, back-to-back defeats against St Helens and Leigh Leopards left us in a precarious position for securing a place in the top six.
Round 23 saw us face Huddersfield Giants at the Salford Community Stadium and there was a sense that this result could have a huge bearing on where we finished come September.
A Brierley-inspired Red Devils produced their best attacking display of the season.
Our fullback scored three of ten tries and powered his team back into fourth place and pole position for securing a home Eliminator clash.
Every Salford supporter knows Brierley gives everything for the badge he’s wore on his chest since a young age and a new three-year deal signed at the beginning of 2024 means he’ll be a mainstay for a little while longer.
BRIERLEY’S 2024 IN NUMBERS
Appearances: 22
Tries: 10
Try Assists: 7
Line breaks: 15
ROWLEY ON BRIERLEY
“He is an easy player to coach because he believes in what I believe in – he knows how I want it to look.
“He’s my salesman, so it’s important that I’ve recruited him everywhere I’ve been because I know he’s my salesman.
“So to get people who believe in a certain product and then sell it for you; a guy who is well respected amongst the group selling it and believing in it, then it makes the whole culture better.”
