Paul Rowley has named Hull FC targets Marc Sneyd and Deon Cross in his 23-man Salford Red Devils squad to face St Helens this weekend. The Red Devils take on the Saints at the Totally Wicked Stadium on Saturday in what is their one and only pre-season clash, with the game doubling up as Morgan Knowles' testimonial match.

It is the first time Salford will be in action at senior level since the financial difficulties that have dominated the off-season headlines first came to light, with Rowley also naming a new signing quartet: Joe Bullock, Chris Hill, Esan Marsters, and Justin Sangare in his squad.

Salford faced off against Barrow Raiders earlier this month, but it was a reserves squad that made the trip to Cumbria. The game against Keighley Cougars, scheduled for last weekend, was postponed due to the ongoing off-field situation, with the club recently instructed to sell players to make up a cash shortfall.

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However, that 'firesale' has been prolonged and, in turn, has seen deals stall, with one vote made against salary cap and quota dispensations to other clubs for Salford players and another meeting held this Wednesday. And now, with a hoped takeover thought to be close to completion to secure the future of the club, the Red Devils have named their first squad of the year, including the likes of Sneyd and Cross, who Hull FC have been heavily interested in, not to mention Kallum Watkins, who is believed to have commanded the highest attention from other Super League clubs.

However, for now, at least, those players will line up for Salford against the Saints, who, in turn, have named a bulky squad containing their entire first-team, including new NRL signings Kyle Feldt and Tristan Sailor. Lewis Murphy is also included, with the two sides also meeting again next month for their Super League opener.

Meanwhile, a deal for Sneyd at the least is looking unlikely, with John Cartwright, albeit saying the situation 'changes every day,' outlining a recruitment reality to Hull Live last week. Cross has also been offered an attractive deal, but for now at least, any moves, if any at all, hinge on the proposed takeover.

Salford Red Devils Squad (numbers TBC): Ben Hellewell, Brad Singleton, Charlie Glover, Chris Atkin, Chris Hankinson, Chris Hill, Deon Cross, Esan Marsters, Jack Ormondroyd, Jayden Nikorima, Joe Bullock, Joe Mellor, Joe Shorrocks, Justin Sangaré, Kai Morgan, Kallum Watkins, Marc Sneyd, Matty Foster, Nathan Connell, Nene Macdonald, Ryan Brierley, Shane Wright, Tim Lafai.

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