There’s been plenty of speculation recently about Paul Rowley ‘s situation at Salford Red Devils, and whether he’ll stay there.
This has stemmed from Rohan Smith’s sacking as head coach of Leeds Rhinos, as well as former Salford Director of Rugby Ian Blease, who was instrumental in Rowley’s move to Salford in the first place, moving to the Rhinos.
Rowley has, therefore, consistently been asked about whether he’ll make the move since the role came about.
However, he’s repeatedly shown his love for the club with which he’s currently contracted.
Speaking on The Bench podcast with Jenna Brooks and Jon Wilkin, he said:Â I love that team, love the club and what it’s about, love the fans.
“I remember the fans when I got there, I remember getting a letter off one of the fans saying we’re going to start making it known now at games, none of us really wanted you here.
“I remember the letter, it was a shocker because we lost at Wakefield away.”
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Paul Rowley: “I’ve turned them around”
Credit: Imago Images
In his first season at the club, in 2021, despite an improvement towards the end of the campaign, the Red Devils narrowly avoided relegation, finishing 11th.
The game he speaks of was near the start of 2022, when Salford lost 30-24 to Trinity at Belle Vue, having suffered a heavy 48-16 defeat to Hull FC and a 34-2 defeat to Huddersfield Giants already that season.
They went on to lose their next four games, but a win at home to Wakefield later in the campaign was the first in a run of nine wins out of twelve to end the campaign, which saw them finish in sixth, and making it to the semi-final.
Rowley continued: “I’ve turned them around. But I understand, and I’ve been around long enough to know: it’s ups and downs.
“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.”
