Salford Red Devils Move Forward Following Ian Blease’s Departure for Leeds Rhinos

Salford Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley insists the team’s sole focus is on moving forward after the departure of former Director of Rugby Ian Blease, who recently joined Leeds Rhinos.

Blease had been associated with the Red Devils for nearly two decades, representing the club both on and off the field. Appointed as the club’s Director of Rugby in 2016, he played a pivotal role in their runs to the Grand Final in 2019 and the Challenge Cup final in 2020. Blease’s guidance has also been crucial for Rowley since the latter took charge ahead of the 2022 campaign.

Salford’s Commanding Performance and Rowley’s Reflection

Despite the significant loss, the Red Devils delivered a commanding performance on Friday night, defeating Warrington Wolves 25-14 on the road. The victory sees Salford move level on points with the Wolves, whom they have now defeated twice this season.

Reflecting on the team’s progress and Blease’s departure, Rowley emphasizes the need to look forward with gratitude for the former Director’s contributions. The Red Devils head coach believes his squad’s resilience and ability to adapt will serve them well as they navigate this transition.

“All the group and ourselves are really pleased for Ian,” Rowley stated. “He’ll be missed because we enjoy his company and he’s good at his job, so we wish him really well. But it moves pretty quickly in this game, and when you’ve got a group that build everything on a bit of fun, a bit of laughter, enjoyment and hard work, then within 10 minutes you’re cracking a joke and you’re moving on.”

Rowley’s comments highlight the team’s strong camaraderie and their collective determination to focus on the task at hand, rather than dwelling on the past. The Red Devils’ ability to adapt quickly and maintain a positive, team-oriented environment will be crucial as they continue their push for success in the rugby league season.

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