Where Are They Now? Salford’s last league game against Featherstone

Salford host Featherstone this weekend in a huge Qualifiers clash; their first league meeting for over eight years. Back then, they were squaring off in National League One – and they couldn’t be split, drawing 30-30 at Post Office Road. But ahead of this Sunday, we ask: where are that Salford squad now?

Stuart Dickens (prop, Featherstone)
The long-serving, hard-working forward had a fine career with Featherstone, and remains one of their most iconic players. A short spell at Salford aside, the prop spent his entire career with Rovers before calling time on his career and moving into coaching. He is now assistant coach at Super League side Wakefield.

Stuart Dickens

Karl Fitzpatrick (fullback, Salford)
The former Ireland international gave great service to Salford during his time at the club, having earlier spent time with Widnes Vikings further back in his career. Now, Fitzpatrick is well respected within the field of player welfare – and he is currently player welfare officer at Super League side Warrington Wolves.

Stuart Littler (centre, Salford)
Like Fitzpatrick, Littler was a fellow Irish international – and he is still playing to this day. The 37-year-old was at Salford until 2010, before having spells at Leigh Centurions and Rochdale Hornets, before moving to Swinton Lions, who he still plays for in 2016.

Stuart-Littler

Anthony Thackeray (scrum-half, Featherstone)
Thackeray spent time at Super League sides such as Castleford, before spells in the lower leagues with the likes of York (loan), Halifax and Dewsbury Rams. Now? He’s back at Featherstone and playing a key role for them as they compete in the Qualifiers following a great 2016 season.

Robbie Paul (stand-off, Salford)
Now Robbie Hunter-Paul of course, the 40-year-old had spent the bulk of his career captaining Bradford Bulls to unbridled success. He left at the end of 2005 to join Huddersfield, before spending two seasons at The Willows with Salford, helping them claim a second-tier clean sweep in 2008 as they were awarded a Super League license. Hunter-Paul has just left his role as chief executive at the Bulls.

Richard Myler (scrum-half, Salford)
Myler became a teenage sensation at Salford following his signature from Widnes, eventually being captured by Warrington in a deal that made him the most expensive teenager in Rugby League history. He spent six seasons with the Wolves before leaving at the end of last year, moving to France with Catalans Dragons.

Myler Catalans

Jordan Turner (loose forward, Salford)
Another teenager who went on and cracked Super League in some style, Turner is currently playing his final few games in England before heading to the NRL and taking up a deal with Canberra Raiders. Playing 13 that day, Turner has gone on and become one of the competition’s most versatile players, currently flourishing at stand-off for St Helens.

Turner St Helens 1

The teams
Featherstone: Loz Wildbore; Waine Pryce, Tommy Saxton, Steve Dooler, Scott Wilson; Andy Kain, Anthony Thackeray; Tony Tonks, Joe McLocklan, Stuart Dickens, Jamie Field, Richard Blakeway, Sean Hesketh. Interchange: Jack Lee, James Houston, Matty Dale, Joe Hirst.

Salford: Karl Fitzpatrick; Matt Gardner, Stuart Littler, John Wilshere, Andy Ballard; Robbie Paul, Richard Myler; Adam Sidlow, Malcolm Alker, Craig Stapleton, Steve Bannister, Luke Adamson, Jordan Turner. Interchange: Paul Highton, Stefan Ratchford, Ian Sibbit, Philip Leuluai.