Jones linked to Super League’s Salford

THE chances of Connor Jones returning to the Northern Pride next season are slimmer than ever, with the young hooker reportedly on the verge of signing a contract with an English Super League club.

The former Pride rake is believed to be in the crosshairs of Salford Red Devils, following an impressive introduction to rugby league in England with second-tier club Featherstone Rovers.

Jones was granted a release from the Northern Pride to take up a short-term contract with English Championship side Featherstone until the end of the season in July.

The 24-year-old made an immediate impact with the Rovers, scoring four tries in seven matches and earning a reputation as a tackling machine, despite often being one of the smaller men in the middle.

While there was talk of Jones returning to the Pride in 2020 upon his departure, it seems unlikely now he has caught the attention of several Super League and Championship clubs.

An English rugby league website reported on the weekend that Jones was set to sign a two-year deal with Salford, as coach Ian Watson looks to bolster his creative options, with former NRL star Jackson Hastings off to Wigan and starting hooker Josh Wood also rumoured to be on the move.

Pride chairman and Jones’ former employer in Cairns, Tony Williamson, said he had been following Jones’ English exploits from afar.

“I’d like to think that he’ll be playing Super League next season,” he said.