Paul Rowley has spoken on the pride that everyone at Salford Red Devils, from the fans to the players, has despite an eighth loss this season in Super League.
The Red Devils lost 28-6 to Leigh Leopards, who now move second in Super League, whilst Salford remain sat in eleventh with just one win all season.
As Rowley said, if games were judged on pride then his side would be flying high and a good showing of that was the immense cheer that went up among the 5,000-strong crowd at the Salford Stadium when Joe Shorrocks scored in the second-half.
That score made it 24-6 and in truth, the game was lost after 20 minutes when Leigh went 12-0 up, however, the spirit of the Red Devils’ fans was something Rowley spoke about post-match on Sky Sports.
He said:”It tells you that it matters, doesn’t it? It matters to the players, the club itself and the community of Salford. It matters to everybody.
“I think if games were won on pride, courage and commitment, then we’d be alright. Unfortunately, we’re missing a little bit of X Factor at the minute.”
Salford Red Devils head coach gives verdict after Leigh Leopards loss
One of those X Factor players that Salford were without was Ryan Brierley with the club captain being a late withdrawal due to an ear infection, and the Red Devils boss noted his absence.
Speaking on the missing X Factor, Rowley said: “I guess the late withdrawal of Ryan Brierley as well, who I reckon would have notched a hat-trick there. We had some opportunities today. I thought Jayden Nikorima and Esan (Marsters) made some real good opportunities that Ryan might have just popped up on the end there.
“It was courage and commitment and I’ve got no problems but unfortunately, it’s another loss against a good team in Leigh.”
Whilst the results aren’t coming Salford’s way, their spirit hasn’t dwindled and Rowley credited that to the core playing group who have been joined by a number of loan players, all of whom also came in for applause.
Rowley explained: “We’ve still got a nucleus of players that have been here a while now and it’s kind of the DNA of the club and they transfer that onto the boys coming in. Like I’ve said time and time again, I can’t speak highly enough of the lads that have come in.
“They know nothing about us and us then, but they quickly settle in and we just find a way to just work hard. That’s all we’re asking of our players at the minute and having a dig and showing commitment.
“Fans always say, if you work hard and you try your best, then they’ll appreciate it. And I think, I think that’s proving true in the recent times and the times that we’re going through at the minute.”
Leigh see off Salford 🐆 pic.twitter.com/lV8xCFR2Jq
— Sky Sports Rugby League (@SkySportsRL) April 26, 2025
