Ryan Brierley explains decision to turn down boyhood football club to pursue Salford Red Devils dream

Ryan Brierley spent time on the books of his beloved Preston North End during his formative years but is now living out another childhood dream after signing for Salford Red Devils.

Brierley was a promising footballer during his youth and still regularly follows the Deepdale outfit home and away when opportunities allow.

But rugby league took centre stage in his sporting life as a teenager and he has finally signed for the team he grew up supporting on a two-year deal.

The 29-year-old, who quit Leigh Centurions following their relegation last season, told Rugby League Live: “It’s funny because some people dream about winning Olympic gold or playing for Manchester United.

“But my dream was to play for Salford and I don’t think it will really hit me until that first Super League game.

“I’m a Salford fan, so I know what they expect from players.

“I know their thought processes and while Salford fans might not always expect success, they do expect hard work and desire.

“That’s the minimum for a rugby league player and I’m never going to promise them world titles.

“But I can promise them I’ll give my all and I’ve done that for every shirt I’ve played in, yet this means a lot more to my family.

“You’re naturally going to find that extra one per cent when it’s a team you support because it’s not a job.

“It becomes life or death to you and there are a lot people involved who I think highly of – Paul Rowley, Kurt Haggerty, Danny Orr, Ian Blease and Paul King.

“They’re my type of people, as are the people in the stands supporting us, so I’m excited and anxious just because I want to perform for them and do myself justice.”

Brierley was born in Preston but his dad Paul grew up in Little Hulton and Walkden and was a huge Salford