Salford new boy Brodie Croft eager to avoid Jackson Hastings’ shadow
BRODIE Croft insists Salford have not signed the next Jackson Hastings – but the current Brodie Croft.
The last Australian half-back to leave the NRL for the Red Devils is a terrace icon and comparisons are bound to be made.
But Croft is adamant he will do things his way – not copy Hastings’ style.
He said: “I guess I will be compared but it’s not something for me to be concerned about. My focus is on putting my best foot forward and doing my job.
“It was a massive decision for me to leave Australia. I’ve never been this far away from my family before but I truly believe it’s the best decision for my career.
“The opportunity at Salford really excited me. The aim is to overcome a hurdle and win some silverware and I’d love to be a part of that.”
Now Croft is here – learning just why English wife Sabina insisted Christmas is meant to be cold when they were Down Under - believes he can become more of a leader because he will not be the only person doing the shouting.
THE LATEST IN RUGBY LEAGUE
In just over a week’s training, the former Brisbane man has heard enough to know Paul Rowley’s men can bring the best out of him in that regard.
“I like to think of myself as a bit of a leader,” added Croft about working alongside the likes of Marc Sneyd and Kallum Watkins.
“But having other guys here helping to build that culture does help. Then I can instil a bit of what I believe.
“It’s a bit of an older group compared to the one I was in for the last couple of years at Brisbane, so there are more senior guys who have strong voices.
“Just hearing those in training sessions is really nice and it makes my job as a half-back easier when there are other players talking to the team and really believing in what they’re saying.”
Salford open their 2022 season at Castleford with Croft part of another new broom at the Red Devils after Rowley replaced Richard Marshall as coach.
But the 24-year-old believes the new man in charge can take them to bigger and better things after finishing 11th out of 12 last season.
Croft told SunSport: “Paul’s been open and honest in what he wants from the team but he’s open to input from the rest of his coaching team and some of the senior players.
“Even having only been here a short time, I feel like we’re going in the right direction. I really believe in the philosophy Paul’s bringing into the organisation.”
