Salford Red Devils full-back Ryan Brierley says the club’s troubles have been impacting the players’ mental health.
The 33-year-old Scotland international also hinted that he could leave, following star players Marc Sneyd, Brad Singleton and Tim Lafai as the Red Devils struggle with the repercussions of an ongoing takeover.
Players have not been paid on time in the last two months and as a result coach Paul Rowley has been restricted by a sustainability cap placed on the club after funds from an investment group led by Swiss banker Dario Berta failed to clear in time.
That has contributed to Salford, who finished fourth to reach the Super League play-offs last season, starting the season with just one win from their opening six fixtures and losing 54-0 to champions Wigan Warriors at the weekend.
Two players, believed to be Kallum Watkins and Chris Atkin, refused to play against Wigan, and Brierley confirmed that players had been threatened with a £2,000 fine and the withholding of their registration if they did not turn out.
Brierley told the : “We’ve all got contractual agreements, when we’re fit and healthy, to perform to the best of our ability.
“The club’s stance was that if we were paid – at the time of that meeting, we weren’t paid – we must be able to field a team and put our best foot forward, and if we didn’t do that there would be repercussions and consequences, I suppose like there would be in any team.
“It’s a really sensitive topic for us because of what we’ve been through over the last six months. It was a sensitive issue but ultimately there are people at the club who have got to protect the club, and players want to protect themselves and their families so it’s a really touchy and awkward scenario.”
He said the problems have taken their toll, adding: “It’s obviously been tough. When you see your friends and close team-mates struggling, it’s not nice.
“Seeing players’ mental wellbeing deteriorate in front of your eyes is certainly not nice. It’s been a long process with a lot of us just hoping that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
