The worst kept secret at Salford Red Devils is out.
As revealed exclusively on SalfordOnline.com earlier this season, Harrison Hansen, Cory Paterson, Rangi Chase and now Theo Fages are all set to leave the club.
Club owner Marwan Koukash confirmed the news to PA Sport this evening.
Salford this week bagged a place in next season’s Super League with a crucial Super 8 Qualifiers victory over Widnes Vikings, despite this “embarrassing” loss to Bradford.
In the case of Fages, the club has accepted an undisclosed transfer fee, believed to be in the region of the amount left on his contract with the club and have wished him bon chance for the future.
Tim Sheens, the Club’s Director of Football, said in a statement on the club’s website: “Whilst it is with disappointment that this decision has been reached in light of the significant investment by the Club in its player, the decision has been made in the interests of moving this matter on and the Club send its best wishes to the player for the future.”
Initially, when Fages “resigned” from the club owner Marwan Koukash said he would be demanding a world record transfer fee for the player who has been at Salford since the age of 16.
Back in June, Koukash told the press he would not be leaving the AJ Bell Stadium unless a club tops the £700,000 that New Zealand Warriors paid Wigan for Sam Tomkins two years ago.
It appears now though that the amicable arrangement will allow both parties to move on.
Recap: Adrian Morley announces retirement at Devils press conference
Hansen, whose father also captained the club, is poised – this writer understands – to join Championship outfit Leigh Centurions along with Cory Paterson and now also former Man of Steel winner Rangi Chase.
Salford owner Marwan Koukash cryptically tweeted – as he is wont to do – last night.
For some,
"loyalty is just a tattoo, love is just a quote, and lying is the new truth. "
— Marwan Koukash (@drmarwanK) September 21, 2015
At the club’s awards lunch earlier today, Hansen was also handed the inaugural Adrian Morley Salford Man of Steel award for his performances this season.
Fans are now being invited to vote on the ‘Supporter’s Player of the Year’ Award. Nominations to admin@thereddevils.net close at 7pm on Sunday.
