Kallum Watkins & Andy Ackers: Salford Red Devils duo to stay until 2023

Kallum Watkins has played three games since his return from an anterior cruciate ligament injury which ended his 2021 campaign

Former England international Kallum Watkins and hooker Andy Ackers have signed new deals at Salford Red Devils which will expire at the end of 2023.

Watkins, 31, returned to Super League with hometown club Salford during 2020 and has scored four tries in 20 games, recently returning from a knee injury.

Hooker Ackers, 28, has been ever present in 2022 and scored five tries in 38 games in total.

The pair follow centre-winger Deon Cross in committing to the Red Devils.

"Having worked with Andy before, I take a lot of personal satisfaction and pride in his continued progression," boss Paul Rowley said.

"Every year he becomes more well rounded, level headed and a more complete rugby league player."

Former Leeds star Watkins, who won the league, Challenge Cup and World Club Challenge at Headingley, came to Salford after an injury-hit spell in the National Rugby League with Gold Coast, and returned to England after his father became ill.

He scored a try in the Red Devils' Challenge Cup semi-final win over Warrington, and played in the final against former club Rhinos.

"I'm really pleased to extend my stay here at Salford," Watkins said.

"The club are heading in a great direction with the playing group and coaching staff we've got here and I'm excited to continue working with everyone."