Salford Red Devils Defy Expectations in 2024 Super League Season
The Salford Red Devils have been one of the surprises of the 2024 Super League season. Coming into the year, they were expected to struggle after losing key players like Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers to Leeds Rhinos. However, thanks to smart recruitment and excellent coaching from Paul Rowley, the Red Devils have defied expectations and currently sit fifth in the league table.
Rowley’s work has not gone unnoticed, with the head coach appearing as part of Sky’s coverage for the recent Castleford Tigers versus Hull KR game. Speculation has linked Rowley with a move to Leeds following Rohan Smith’s departure, but the coach refused to be drawn on the rumors.
Instead, Sky pundit Jon Wilkin discussed Salford’s success and the potential impact on the club if Rowley were to leave. Wilkin expressed admiration for Rowley’s ability to get the most out of his players, but also voiced concerns about the sustainability of the Red Devils’ impressive run.
“My worry is for teams that have no resources when you have a coach like Paul Rowley and he milks every ounce out of his players that there’s a time where that runs out,” Wilkin said. “But there’s a point at which that runs out of juice and whether it’s Paul moving on or a certain group of players, it’s difficult.”
Despite the uncertainty, Wilkin praised Salford and Rowley’s achievements, calling them “truly remarkable” and a testament to the coach’s ability to get his players to trust and buy into his message.
Salford will have the opportunity to solidify their playoff push on Sunday when they host league leaders St Helens. A win could see them climb to fourth in the table and open up a four-point gap on sixth-placed Catalans Dragons.
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