New Salford club given Championship green light under ex-Wakefield Trinity star Mason Caton-Brown
Former Wakefield Trinity player Mason Caton-Brown has been given the green light to lead a Salford phoenix club into the 2026 season, the RFL announced today.
The governing body confirmed Salford RLFC Ltd have been granted RFL membership approval and entry into the 2026 Betfred Championship. Salford Red Devils, who finished bottom of Super League this year, were wound up by the High Court on December 3 over a £500,000 tax bill.
Former Salford player Caton-Brown, 32, is a director of the new company and consortium lead. Fellow directors are Malcolm Crompton and Paul Hancock. Caton-Brown, 32, scored 27 tries in 34 Super League games for Trinity from 2017-19 and is now a north west-based businessman.
An RFL statement said: “The approval follows a thorough assessment process in which the RFL received three high-quality and extremely well-considered proposals, all focused on ensuring the preservation, continuity and future growth of professional rugby league in the city of Salford. The successful submission from Salford RLFC Ltd demonstrated a clear commitment to sustainable governance, financial responsibility and long-term stability, aligned with the RFL’s strategic objectives for the professional game.”
It went on: “The RFL would also like to formally place on record its appreciation for the exceptional level of engagement and support shown by the Mayor of Salford, Paul Dennett and the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. Their personal commitment to ensuring the survival of professional rugby league in Salford and their constructive support throughout the RFL’s processes has been outstanding. The RFL looks forward to continuing this work as it seeks to expand the community and commercial footprint of rugby league across Greater Manchester.”
The statement stressed: “The RFL has expressed its hope that all submitting parties may find a mutually beneficial way of working together in the future, recognising that each demonstrated a shared commitment to delivering success for the new Salford based team and the people of Salford.”
The governing body’s interim chief executive Abi Ekoku added: “The quality of proposals we received reflects the strength of commitment to rugby league in Salford. Our decision, which could not have been made without the clarity and support of Salford City Council and its stadium management team (CosCos), has been taken with the long-term interests of the club, the local community at its heart and the sport of rugby league as a whole. We are confident this outcome provides a strong platform for club stability and growth moving forward.”