Swinton Lions coach Stuart Littler (pictured) says the new link with Salford’s reserve team will help develop players at the club.
The two clubs last week agreed a reserve grade dual-registration that will allow fringe Lions players to feature in the newly relaunched Red Devils second team.
Littler said: “It’s outstanding news for the Lions to be collaborating with Salford Red Devils in respect of a reserves team, and a big thanks goes to everyone involved at both clubs for getting it up and running.
“The reserves programme will give us another platform in which we can develop our players.
“Over the last few years we have had a few lads who haven’t quite made our matchday squad, who have then had nowhere to play and develop.
“Every Rugby League player wants to be out on the pitch, so we are delighted to have this new opportunity.
“All of our players should now be match ready when called upon, which will allow our squad to remain fully focussed throughout the season.
“I am really looking forward to watching the scheme progress.”
Lions operations director Steve Wild added: “It’s no secret that we don’t currently possess the resources to run our own reserves team, so from a Swinton Lions perspective this joint project with Salford represents a tremendous opportunity.
”I’d like to thank Ian Blease, Ian Watson and Danny Barton for being so open to the concept and making it happen, as it helps Swinton Lions tremendously in terms of player development, as well as our ability to trial players.
”I firmly believe that in the best interests of Rugby League in the Salford, Swinton and Manchester area, it can only be a good thing to be working collaboratively with our historic neighbours.”
