Paul Rowley lifts lid on why he rejected Hull FC

Paul Rowley rounded off a frantic week in which he rejected Hull FC and their advances by overseeing an impressive win for Salford Red Devils over Warrington Wolves.

Rowley’s Red Devils put in a brilliant performance to win 17-12 with a late penalty try helping them down a Warrington side that had only previously lost to Catalans Dragons this season.

The win puts a pin in a week that has been incredibly hectic for Paul Rowley after Hull FC approached him to fill their vacant head coach role, something that the 49-year-old rejected.

Today’s victory over high-flying Warrington is a result that certainly backs up his decision to remain with the club.

Hull FC’s approach for Rowley rejected

Talk of Paul Rowley being the top candidate for Hull FC emerged at the start of the week with Richie Myler and the Black and Whites offering a contract to the 49-year-old per reports.

With the likely promise of a far bigger budget many expected Rowley to take the offer and leave behind Salford Red Devils but he knocked Hull FC back, the Red Devils confirming so via a statement.

That statement outlined Rowley’s desire to continue the project underway at Salford, today’s win being yet another small step forwards with the current project.

Sky Sports’ Jon Wilkin was one of many who was shocked at Rowley’s refusal, the Hull-born pundit claiming that he’d been informed that it “was a done deal”.

Speaking to Sky Sports today after his side’s 17-12 victory, Rowley has offered an insight as to why he rejected the approach.

“It’s a pretty special club” – Why Paul Rowley rejected Hull FC

Rowley was asked by Rod Studd about his whirlwind week and he comically replied: “I have a headache, I can say that pretty much because you lot keep pecking me out with phone calls and texts.

“I don’t tell you anything because private business is private business but I’m here.”

Elaborating further, Rowley said: “Everything was done in a respectable way from everybody involved and it’s really sensible, mature and respectable. However, I’m here now, I’m enjoying doing what I do, I always do enjoy what I do.

“The overriding thing for me is I enjoy the group that I represent. They’re a good group and it’s a pretty special club.”

He also paid praise to the fans who had helped his side through their win over Warrington and were serenading him as he gave his interview.

“I feel good because I represent a passionate set of supporters, a passionate community, but most importantly the group of lads.

“I think Salford are everybody’s second favourite team aren’t they? They’re a good group and they work hard, they never do it easy. I’m just very proud of the boys today.”

Despite concerns from fans and pundits pre-season about the lack of depth in Salford’s squad paired with the loss of stars such as Andy Ackers and Brodie Croft, the Red Devils are defying the odds.

Today’s victory has taken them into sixth, level on points with Wigan, Warrington and Hull KR though with a record of 12 points from a possible 18.

Speaking on his side’s performance, Rowley added: “Fortune favours the brave sometimes. We’ve been in a tough game against a very good Warrington side who have been flying high with confidence.

“We say all the time, big teams, good teams bring the best out of us, we love a challenge. This group of players never lies down.”