Paul Rowley rejects opportunity to become Hull FC head coach

Paul Rowley has turned down the chance to become the new head coach of Hull FC.

The Salford boss was offered the chance to take over from Tony Smith, with the Black & Whites prepared to pay the £150,000 compensation to bring him to the MKM Stadium.

However, in a statement on the Red Devils website, it has been revealed that Rowley rejected the offer and will instead remain in charge of Salford.

The statement reads: “We can confirm that Paul Rowley will remain to be the Head Coach of Salford Red Devils.

“An approach was made by Hull FC, which has now been rejected.

“Paul remains committed to the project underway at the Club. The club will make no further comments on this matter.”

Paul Rowley rejects Hull FC to stay at Salford

Rowley’s show of loyalty to Salford will be music to the ears of the club’s fans who are used to seeing players depart the club when a bigger side with more financial strength comes calling.

His decision to commit to the project at the Devils is a rare show of loyalty in modern-day sport, with Rowley almost certainly turning down more money to take over at FC.

It was reported earlier today that Salford were demanding a fee of around £150,000 for Hull to take their head coach, a figure that the Airlie Birds would have no doubt paid to secure Rowley’s services.

What next for Hull in search for new coach?

Hull must now turn their attentions elsewhere after missing out on their number one target, with whoever is appointed now under no illusions that they weren’t the first-choice option for the job.

There will, however, likely be many takers with FC still one of the biggest jobs in rugby league. It’s unknown now whether Chairman Adam Pearson and new Director of Rugby Richie Myler will take their search overseas or target someone else in Super League.

Though Rowley’s achievements at Salford under strict financial constraints have been impressive, FC’s approach for the former Leigh boss came as a surprise to many.

That leaves all fans and media pundits second-guessing who the hierarchy at the MKM Stadium will target next, but it’s an appointment they must get right after a dismal period for the club.