Cole and Noah Appleby Commit Their Futures to Salford

Two of our own have put pen to paper on new deals for next season, and this one means a little more than most.

Cole and Noah Appleby, born and raised Salford lads who grew up supporting this club, have both signed contract extensions to continue their journey with us. For the brothers, it’s the closing of a full circle moment, this year marked the very first time in their lives they’ve played rugby together on the same team, and now they’ve committed to doing it all again next season.

Noah has spent the back end of this year on the sidelines following surgery, but that hasn’t changed a thing about where his future lies. We caught up with both brothers to talk contracts, recovery, and what it means to do this side by side.

Cole Appleby

How does it feel getting this one over the line and committing your future to the club?

For me it was the easiest decision in the world, as the fans know I’m a Salford lad and I’m living my dream being able to represent the club I’ve supported all my life. To sign for next year is a massive honour and I can’t thank the club enough for the opportunity and the belief, it’s made me even hungrier and more excited for next season.

What’s it meant having your brother Noah here with you, both on and off the pitch?

It’s been probably the best experience of my life to be in the same team as my brother, I know for our family it’s been a dream come true, but what I don’t think a lot of people know is this is the first time we’ve ever played together on the same team in our lives. I think it’s made me want to succeed even more at this club and to experience both the highs and lows of this season with Noah has been amazing.

How have you two been supporting each other while he’s been out injured?

I’ve always been Noah’s biggest supporter especially when it comes to rugby, the game he got injured I was gutted for him but I’ve made sure to stay by his side as much as I can, because it’s only me repaying him for helping me through my ACL injury last season, I know he’s been doing the right things and listening to the physios and Dexter’s advice. Throughout his injury when he’s watched me play and train he’s always got advice for me which is pretty much always helping me develop.

What’s been the standout moment of your time at Salford so far?

I’ve had a few this season to be honest but without a doubt the best moment was sharing the pitch with Noah for the first time, it was made even better that the opportunity to do that came at home in front of our fans and it was a real pinch yourself moment after the game when all of our family was there.

What are your ambitions for the rest of this season and beyond?

Personally my ambition is to keep improving as a player and as a person for the rest of this season, and I don’t think I could be at a better place to do that than Salford, the environment we have as a team thanks to Chewy and Brad and all the players is amazing. For next season my ambition is to be in contention for a shirt every game and work as hard as I can to play for this club, I want to be a part of this club more than anything else because it’s only going to get better for us and the fans.

How have things changed from day one at Salford RLFC?

I think the group of players have only gotten closer throughout the year, we’ve had some really tough moments both as a group and as individuals but we’re a team at the end of the day and we’ve always come back more together and stronger. The support from the fans has been amazing and it has definitely helped the togetherness of the group as well as having Chewy and Brad’s experience and all the support from the back room staff. It’s made the club a really exciting place to be.

Noah Appleby

You’ve signed this extension while you’re out injured, what made this feel like the right time to commit your future here regardless?

Well, it’s felt right from the start. I’m a Salford lad and a Salford fan, so playing for my boyhood club has been a dream since I was a kid. I was buzzing just to be able to play this year, so when I was offered a contract for next year, there was no doubt in my mind that I would accept it and commit my future to my hometown.

Also, being on this journey with my brother is something I never could have imagined happening. I’ve idolised him ever since I was a kid, watching him play rugby at a high level, so the fact that I’m here with my brother is all the reason I need to commit.

Talk us through where you’re at with the injury and recovery, how’s it going?

My recovery is going really well. I had surgery at the start of July, and it’s a slow process and mentally challenging, but with the environment I’m in and the support I’ve got from the club, it’s a lot easier. I’m back running now, so it’s nice to be back on my feet after four months. Overall, it’s going amazingly.

How hard is it watching from the sidelines, and how do you stay part of it with the group while you’re out?

I won’t lie, it is tough seeing my teammates playing and training, and I do want to be out there, but I understand the injury process and I’m getting my bearings with it. The way I stay part of the group is by being at training every session I can. All the lads rock up early, and that environment helps me stay a part of the group.

What’s kept you motivated day to day through the rehab process?

Any rugby player who’s been injured will understand that motivation is one of the hardest things when recovering from an injury. But the club has really gotten behind me, and the lads have as well. Also, having my big brother at training every day is a massive driving force and helps massively with motivation.

He’s been through it, so he understands what it’s like. During training and at home, he’s always supporting me and giving me tips, so I’ve got a lot of support at the club and at home with my family to help me stay motivated through this.

The club has spoken a lot about building a new culture, as a young player have you felt that?

I was at the academy last year, so I’m able to compare a little bit of what last year was like compared to now, and I can see a massive difference. The overall environment is a lot more positive, and as well as being focused on short-term goals, like games and results this season, they’re also massively focused on the future and building the club back to its former glory.

They understand that some lads need developing, especially us younger lads who have never really been in a Championship environment before, and they want every single lad to be on the journey back to the top. So, the club and the culture have changed, and it’s now a much more positive environment for the lads and for the future.

Two Salford lads, one shirt each, and a future they’re building together. We’re rising, and the Appleby brothers are staying for the ride.