Exclusive: It’s been some ride for Declan Murphy these last few weeks as ex-Sarries youngster explains his stunning rise
He cites Owen Farrell as a big influence, has only played three games of rugby league, was still learning the rules six weeks ago but has now signed a bumper deal with Super League leaders Hull KR. It’s been some ride for young gun Declan Murphy since joining Salford on a cross-code switch from Saracens’ reserves.
However, he made such an impact with his lightning quick attacking raids and elusiveness that he quickly had a raft of Super League clubs circling him. Leeds, Catalans and Leigh all tabled bids but last night Rovers announced they had won the race for his signature on a three-year deal from 2026.
Murphy, who was born in England but grew up in New Zealand, was ironically on the end of Rovers’ ruthless side as they ran in 14 tries during Thursday’s record 74-12 hammering of Salford. He insisted: “The ride is the ride. Rugby is rugby at the end of the day.
“I’m just trying to soak it all up. But this is all new to me. I just want to enjoy the atmosphere and learn as much as I can. It’s only the start of a journey here for me and I’m just trying to cherish it. I grew up playing union my whole life. Six weeks ago I was in league for the first time – learning how to roll the ball [play the ball]. ”
Murphy, 20, had a brief stint with Wigan’s reserves before Salford gambled on him – and he soon became a hot target. He admitted: “Yes, it [interest] is all a bit new to me. Obviously, a month ago, I got released by Sarries.
“I had nothing and have just been trying to put my head down. I think it’s nice it’s all paid off, but obviously you can’t take advantage. You’ve got to show up week in, week out and do what you can. I’m thankful for what’s happened.”
Murphy spent two seasons at Saracens, including loan spells with Championship Ampthill and National League outfit Bishop’s Stortford and Hertford, without ever playing first-team.
But he trained alongside ex-England captain Farrell and plenty of their British Lions stars who have just prospered Down Under. Murphy explained: “It was my first year when he [Farrell] was there. And it was good just to be around leaders like that.
“It grows your game and grows your confidence. It shows you a real true side of leadership. And I think that’s something I cherish the most: just being around those leaders. Off the back of that, you can learn heaps.”
And he admired a legendary All Blacks scrum-half when growing up. Murphy, who made an eye-catching debut off the bench in Salford’s shock win at Castleford three weeks ago before backing up with an impressive showing against Leeds Rhinos, said: “As a kid, I’d say Aaron Smith was the one I looked up to.
“I was a scum-half and he was one of the best nines in the world. Just his leadership, the way he controls the game and the way he dictates, there’s not really anyone better in the game.”
But the big question is have Saracens come back yet saying they made a mistake? He replied: “No, no. They’ve got to do what they’ve got to do.
“It’s always team-first and, look, an opportunity came up in [rugby] league and I’m thankful for what’s ahead.”