Dudson signs to be a Devil!
SALFORD have announced the signing of former Wigan forward Gil Dudson on a two-year deal from relegated Widnes.
Dudson, 28, who came through the ranks at North Wales Crusaders, made almost 50 appearances for Wigan, including their 2013 Challenge Cup final win over Hull, and spent the last three seasons with Widnes.
He has also earned 15 caps for Wales which brought him into contact with current Salford coach Ian Watson.
“Gil is a player I’ve known for a long time through the Welsh national side and is a player who always gives 100 per cent,” Watson said.
“He has a good skill level but more importantly as a front-rower he has an aggression and competitive attitude to win his battles which is what we need in our middles.
“I know Gil will come in and add to the ‘team first’ mentality that we have here at Salford Red Devils. I can’t wait for him to get started.”
Salford Red Devils director of rugby and operations Ian Blease, said: “We’re delighted to have got another signing over the line and bring Gil here to Salford Red Devils.
“Gil has come through a strong and competitive system at Wigan Warriors and this signing is another step in the right direction for the club.
“Gil is one of three forwards we’ve added over the last week which will only improve the competition for places throughout the upcoming season.
“Season ticket sales and squad Builder memberships are continuing to rise, and we need the Salford Red Devils fans to continue to buyin as this will allow us to sign more players.”
■ WALES international Ben Evans, who helped London Broncos gain promotion to Super League, will stay in the Championship in 2019 after joining Toulouse.
The 26-year-old former Warrington prop, who was in the Wales team that beat Ireland on Sunday to qualify for the 2021 World Cup, made 43 appearances in two seasons for the Broncos including the all-important Million Pound Game against Toronto.
Evans said: “I am very excited to have this opportunity to join Toulouse.
“I cannot wait to discover life in France.
“Toulouse Olympique has a high quality team that targets the Super League and it’s great for me to take part in this project. I hope to make a big contribution to the team, so that we have a great season. “
Olympique chairman Bernard Sarrazain said: “To bring in a player of Ben’s calibre is proof that our club is moving in the right direction.”