Paul Rowley Committed to Salford Red Devils Despite Speculation

In recent months, there has been significant speculation surrounding Paul Rowley’s future as the head coach of the Salford Red Devils. This has been fueled by the sacking of Rohan Smith as the head coach of the Leeds Rhinos, as well as the move of former Salford Director of Rugby, Ian Blease, to the Rhinos. These developments have led to persistent questions about whether Rowley would make the switch to Leeds.

However, the Red Devils’ head coach has repeatedly expressed his unwavering commitment to the club. Speaking on The Bench podcast with Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin, Rowley stated, “I love that team, love the club and what it’s about, love the fans.” He recounted an incident early in his tenure when he received a letter from a fan who was initially skeptical about his appointment, saying, “we’re going to start making it known now at games, none of us really wanted you here.”

Rowley’s first season at Salford in 2021 was a challenging one, as the team narrowly avoided relegation, finishing 11th. The coach referenced a particularly difficult game early in the 2022 season when Salford lost 30-24 to Wakefield Trinity, following heavy defeats to Hull FC and Huddersfield Giants. However, Rowley was able to turn the team’s fortunes around, leading them to six wins out of their final twelve games and a sixth-place finish, as well as a semi-final appearance.

“I’ve turned them around,” Rowley declared. He acknowledged the ups and downs inherent in the sport, saying, “You rarely see me on the pitch going clapping the fans. I think that’s the arena for the players and they should accept that. I do it every now and again when I feel genuinely I want to go and show some appreciation for them. Not for me, for them.”

Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Paul Rowley has made it clear that his heart remains with the Salford Red Devils, and he is committed to continuing his work with the club.

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