Paul Rowley takes surprise Super League job

Paul Rowley has been announced as the new head coach of the Salford Red Devils.

Rowley, who represented England as a player, arrived at Salford in 2019 as a coaching consultant.

Earlier this year, Rowley then moved into a new position as the Club’s first head of Rugby Development, Talent & Pathways, in which he played a pivotal role in securing the Club’s partnership with Wales Rugby League.

Rowley spent 4 years as head coach of Leigh Centurions between 2012 and 2016, winning Championship Coach of the year after his first season in charge and lifting the Championship twice with the Leythers.

The former playmaker then took the reins at Toronto Wolfpack in 2017, winning the League 1 title in his first season and then guiding the Canadian side to Championship success in 2018.

Speaking on become Salford Red Devils head coach, Rowley said: “I’m excited for the challenge, I’m refreshed from having a break from coaching.

“I want to lift standards at the Club throughout and create a different environment – one that walks a little bit taller. I want our players to understand what being a Salford player is about, both on and off the pitch.”

With pre-season commencing today and preparation for 2022 now underway, the new head coach is already looking forward to building on his existing relationship with the fans.

“The support is phenomenal and quite often it does bring a tear to your eye when you come out.

“The Salford fans are unbelievable, they’re integral to the club and this club belongs to the fans. They’ve always been our heartbeat.”