Chief executive Gary Hetherington praised the two players’ arrival at Leeds this week, calling them “the biggest single investment in players that the club has made since the signing of Iestyn Harris 26 years ago.”
Ackers capped a maturing season by representing England at the World Cup, and Croft was voted last year’s Man of Steel after leading Salford to the verge of the Super League Grand Final.
The hooker did not make Shaun Wane’s squad for the series against Tonga, but Croft is supporting him to return to Headingley and find his best form as they pursue victory together.
“When the possibility of coming to Leeds came about a few weeks ago, the thought of leaving the group at Salford was a bit daunting at first,” explained Croft.
“I felt appreciative and flattered that a team like Leeds wanted me. It certainly encouraged me to go there knowing that they also wanted Ackers. This is where I felt we could really make a difference.
He’s also the nine, so he’s the one who gets the ball to me when I need it and distributes it the most. I genuinely think Ackers is the greatest.
“To come here with Ackers and chase silverware at this club, there would be no bigger feat.”
Alongside Ryan Brierley and Marc Sneyd, Croft and Ackers were part of arguably the most dangerous spine in Super League last year.
Ackers has backed Croft to quickly show why he was regarded as the best player in the competition in 2022.
“I speak to Brodie a lot,” said Ackers. “He’s a good friend, apart from he’s Australian!
“I’m happy he’s stopping by. I can split the cost of gas with him and save money!”He is an excellent athlete as well as a player. He’s a true professional and among the most committed athletes I’ve ever seen in rugby league. His 2022 campaign as the Man of Steel is proof positive. He will be trying to make amends for not having achieved the same level of success with Salford as he did the previous year, so everything with Brodie will be positive.”
Lachie Miller, a full-back, and Matt Frawley, a half-back, have joined Leeds, who have fully revamped their roster for 2024.
For Croft, Frawley is the ideal counterbalance in the halves.
“I don’t know him personally but have seen his career from afar,” replied Croft.
“I truly appreciate the manner in which he conducts business. He seems like a reliable half-back partner for me.
“Having Sneydy, a left-footed kicker at Salford, and I believe Frawley is a left-footed kicker as well, was beneficial.
“Hopefully, during this preseason, we can establish a really strong lineup and focus on those lineups in the spine. It’s incredibly exciting what we could do, especially with Lachie Miller joining us.”
