Hull FC offer contract to Salford Red Devils boss Paul Rowley

Salford Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley has emerged as the front-runner for the vacant Hull FC job, according to reports, following Tony Smith’s departure this month.

According to The Mirror, Rowley, who has been at the Red Devils since November 2021, has been offered a three-year deal with the Black and Whites.

The 49-year-old has been widely praised for the way he’s got the most out of his squad, and plays an exciting brand of rugby, which may bring much-needed excitement to the MKM Stadium.

Richie Myler is the club’s new Director of Rugby, and has been tasked with bringing in both new players and a new manager.

It was an appointment that shocked the rugby world, with many suggesting that he was unqualified for the job.

This included Jon Wilkin, who said: “It just felt like a weird appointment, but that being said, he’s got the confidence of a thousand men.

“He’s self-assured and confident, so I’m sure he’ll give it a great crack.”

Hull FC lost 58-0 against St Helens at the weekend, with Simon Grix as interim manager, and may want to get a new man in as soon as possible.

A smart move for Hull FC?

Rowley certainly seems to be a smart signing if they can get him in, as he’s produced a lot of exciting results – Salford were fourth in the table deep into the 2023 season, and would likely make the ceiling that this Hull FC side can reach.

He would also probably get more support from the club than he has done at Salford in terms of recruitment; he was forced to lose key names such as Brodie Croft, rather than make improvements to the squad.

The goal for the club can’t be much higher than 10th in the league at the moment, but with Rowley in charge, that could all change.

It must be said, however, that he’s contracted at Salford, who are in a decent place right now – despite some disappointing results on the field.

There’s no guarantee he’d even take the role if offered, especially due to the nature of recent dismissals at the MKM Stadium.

It is, however, certainly one to look out for.