Salford bring in Boyle

Boyle: Signed two-year deal

Coaching will be a new challenge for me and I know that I will have to learn to combine it with playing the game this season

Malcolm Alker
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Salford have signed Ryan Boyle on a two-year deal from Super League rivals Castleford.

The prop, 21, is the latest young player to be snapped up by the Reds, who finished their first season back in the top flight in 13th place.

Coach Shaun McRae has already recruited Matty Smith and Ashley Gibson from St Helens and Leeds Rhinos respectively.

Boyle, who came through the junior ranks at the Tigers, is currently part of Ireland's squad taking part in the European Cup.

"Ryan is a very good up and coming young prop," director of football Steve Simms said on the club's website. "He's tough and uncompromising, and he's already playing international football with Ireland.

"We're looking forward to him joining up with us next month and working with him in an exciting pre-season for the Reds."

Alker role

Meanwhile, Salford have also confirmed that long-serving captain Malcolm Alker has been appointed as an assistant to McRae.

The veteran hooker will carry on playing but is looking forward to a "new challenge" as he plans for the next chapter of his life once he eventually hangs up his boots.

"I'm no fool," he said. "I know that I cannot continue playing forever and I am looking to end my career on a high.

"Coaching will be a new challenge for me and I know that I will have to learn to combine it with playing the game this season.

"It may be difficult with split loyalties between the players and the coaches but I am really confident I can make a great go of it."