Salford Reds’ new Aussie coach Matt Parish has vowed to do everything in his power to keep Stefan Ratchford at the end of the season.

Ratchford, who is out of contract, has been strongly linked with Warrington and Wigan but Parish is desperate to retain the young half-back’s services.

MEN Sport can reveal that Parish  has already spoken from Australia to Ratchford to express his desire to keep him at the City Reds.

Speaking from Sydney, Parish said: “Stefan is a very talented young player who we can build a team around for the next five or six years.

“I want to work with him and I’ve been greatly impressed with what I’ve seen in him and the potential that he shows.”

Parish’s sentiments are echoed by Reds bosses. Warrington have also been linked with Castleford’s Rangi Chase and have also had Ratchford on their radar but Parish hopes to persuade the Wigan-based player to stay with Salford. Parish’s arrival from Australia appears to be imminent.

He is with New South Wales for Wednesday’s final Origin game when he will be alongside head coach Ricky Stuart.

After that, he will prepare for his departure to England. In the meantime, he has been analysing tapes of Reds games and insists every player under his rule will be given the opportunity to impress.

Parish added: “I’m not bothered about what’s gone on in the past – all I care about is the future, putting together a winning team and working towards success.”

Reds are expected to step up their recruitment plans for next year once Parish arrives and maps out his plans.

Salford are already being linked with the Knights hooker Terry Seuseu and Crusaders prop Ryan O’Hara who had a fine reputation in the NRL and could be the readymade replacement for homeward bound Ray Cashmere. Salford are also among a number of sides monitoring the form of young Wakefield Trinity prop Paul Johnson, who started his career with Saints.

Canterbury veteran Andrew Ryan is again linked with a move to England.

He was strongly tipped to be a target for Salford this time last year and was expected to join Luke Patten at The Willows.

Ryan has had a steady season this year – he’s highly rated and respected by Parish – but the new Salford boss may opt for younger blood as he rebuilds and prepares for the move to the new stadium at Barton.

Salford kept in touch for a play-off place with a hard-earned win over Harlequins on Friday.

Mark Henry was outstanding – he too has impressed Parish and could well be retained. It was Parish who nurtured Henry as a youngster at North Queensland.

Meanwhile, the departing Cashmere is considering working as a miner and playing part-time in the Wollongong competition.

Former Reds star Craig Stapleton is currently fulfilling a similar role combining a trade with club rugby. Cashmere on the other hand is still on the lookout for an NRL
club should an opportunity present itself.

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