Adrian Morley to join Salford

WARRINGTON Wolves’ skipper Adrian Morley is set to join his home town club Salford City Reds on a one year playing contract at the end of the current season.
The 36-year-old forward was born in Salford but has never represented his hometown club. The deal is believed to include an option for Morley to continue at the club in an ambassador role at the end of his playing career.
Morley will be the second high profile forward to be leaving Warrington, following Garreth Carvell, who earlier this week confirmed a two year deal at Bradford Bulls.
During his six years at the Wolves, Morley has won three Challenge Cups and a League Leaders Shield and also featured in the Grand Final defeat to Leeds last year.
Salford’s millionaire race horse owner Marwan Koukash made an approach for Morley earlier this year and has now got his man.
During the last approach in March when Koukash offered to buy out Morley’s remaining contract at the Wolves, Morley said: “I have always had an affinity for Salford by being a Salford lad and I want to see the Reds be successful.”
After making no new signings during the last close season Warrington’s Wolves’ boss Tony Smith will be looking to bring in new blood for the 2014 campaign, with another prop, Mike Cooper, already on his way down under.
On the club website www.warringtonwolves.com Morley said: “I have had seven great years at Warrington and memories that will last a lifetime. Not only will I leave with winners medals but more importantly with friendships that will last forever. I would like to thank Simon Moran for bringing me to this fantastic club as well as Paul Cullen and Tony Smith for their advice and guidance over the years, I will be eternally grateful to them all.
” I’d like to thank all the players and staff for their continued support. It has been a massive honour and privilege to captain this great club, every time I have put on the Primrose and Blue I have tried to lead from the front. The supporters have been unbelievable I wish I could personally thank each and every one of them. The decision to leave was not an easy one, but I am very proud of my Salford roots and felt the time was right to finish my career at the club I supported as a young boy. However there is still a lot of Rugby to be played and so I will be more determined than ever to make 2013 a memorable season for the Warrington Wolves.”
Wolves’ head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith added: “I am delighted for Adrian to be able to finish off such a fantastic career at his hometown club. It’s been a bit of a lifelong ambition for him to play for Salford and I know how hard it is for him to leave our club; he has certainly expressed that to all concerned within the club because he’s found a great home here and has been a fantastic influence on this club for a number of years. For me personally, as head coach, he’s been an outstanding skipper and a real quality person.
“I’ve got immense gratitude for his support since I’ve been here and I think he’ll certainly go down as one of the best all-time signings for Warrington. We wish him well for his future endeavour and no doubt Adrian will want to leave the club in the best possible fashion. I’m sure that will be shown by his attitude both on and off the field for the remainder of his time here.”
Picture shows Adrian Morley with Head of Coaching Tony Smith celebrating last year’s Challenge Cup victory – his third at the club.