AFTER a tough start to 2026, and a 2025 to forget, Salford are aiming for stability next season by keeping faith with head coach Dave Hewitt.
Having initially joined the club as assistant coach in January, Hewitt then stepped up following the departure of Mike Grady and has so far led the team to six wins in his 13 matches in charge.
With the board encouraged by the improvement made under Hewitt, they have confirmed the 30-year-old will remain in the post past this season.
“Dave stepped into a difficult situation and never looked for excuses,” said CEO Ryan Brierley.
“From day one he brought honesty, discipline and stability, and you can see the difference in the way this team plays and carries itself.
“The results have improved, but what has really impressed us is everything happening behind the scenes. There is a clear identity to this group now, the players believe in what they’re doing and there is a culture developing that gives us real confidence for the future.
“Planning for 2027 has already started and we wanted to give Dave that certainty now. For the first time, he’ll have the opportunity to shape the squad, lead a full pre-season and continue building what has already begun.”
St Helens-born Hewitt, who spent the bulk of his playing career at Oldham, before short spells at Rochdale Hornets and Midland Hurricanes, was quick to praise his squad of players for making his first steps into coaching an enjoyable one.
“It’s been a challenging year, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it because this group has been prepared to work hard and improve every week.
“The results have been encouraging, but what I’m most proud of is the attitude, togetherness and standards we’ve built as a group.
“We’ve laid some strong foundations, but there’s still plenty of hard work ahead, and I’m looking forward to continuing to build this squad and doing everything we can to move Salford RLFC forward in 2027.”