Salford City Reds ethos has changed - Rob Parker

Prop Rob Parker had a temporary spell as Salford captain last season

Salford City Reds prop Rob Parker says that the ethos around the club has been changed by the new staff and players.

The 29-year-old is part of a Reds squad overhauled by the arrival of 11 new players at The Willows.

He told BBC Radio Manchester: "We've changed our attitude to training and just the whole culture of the place.

"Malcolm Alker's changed from player to assistant coach and he's brought a massive amount of respect. There's just a different ethos at the club."

Parker added: "There has been a massive change. From the outside looking in, you probably just see a change in personal.

"We have changed just the littlest things, like everyone putting their weights back in the gym rather than just throwing them to one side, an etiquette thing.

"People always say it's the little things that make a big difference.

"That certainly has happened in the last three months at this club and now the new lads have come in they just think that's how it's always been."

The former Warrington and Bradford player, who also had a loan spell at London Broncos, has now been appointed club vice-captain.

But he says that, despite the major recruitment drive, there is no extra pressure on Shaun McRae's squad.

"I don't think we're under any pressure," he said. "We finished 12th last year and people are expecting the same thing saying 'Salford will be propping up the bottom of the league'.

"The pressure's on those top teams because they've got to back it up. We can just be out from nowhere and nobody bother about us.

"Hopefully we can come up and surprise and few people as all the ingredients are there.

"Let's just hope Malcolm Alker's got his mixing bowl ready."