Red Devils confirm testimonial clash with Warrington
SALFORD’S pre-season action will contain a Thursday evening fixture after the Red Devils were confirmed as the opponents for Mike Cooper’s testimonial fixture on January 23.
Ian Watson’s side will take on Warrington for the 1895 Sports Challenge Cup, with the Wolves donning a kit designed and manufactured by 1895 Sports – a company owned by Cooper.
The 31-year-old – in his second spell with his hometown club after a stint with St George-Illawarra Dragons in the NRL – has made the decision to allow free entry for all under 12s from the Warrington and Salford areas.
“I’m really proud and thankful to the club and rugby league for organising my testimonial,” said Cooper, who has won eight England caps.
“I’ve been at this club since 11 years of age and have spent 90 per cent of my career here.
“I’m looking forward to a great year celebrating my career so far and to many more years to come.”
The fixture is Salford’s second confirmed pre-season friendly, following the clash with local rivals Swinton Lions at the AJ Bell Stadium on January 5,
Meanwhile, former Swinton and Oldham fullback Ritchie Hawkyard has announced his retirement from rugby league.
The 33-year-old was part of the Roughyeds team that won promotion to the Betfred Championship last season and had agreed a one-year contract with Keighley Cougars for 2020, but has subsequently decided to hang up his boots with immediate effect.
“It is not a decision I have taken lightly,” said Hawkyard. “But I thought now is the right time to retire because I didn’t want to get halfway through the season and start having second thoughts about playing.”