Paul Rowley gives update on if Salford Red Devils will be paid on time for April

As the last Thursday of the month approaches, Salford Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley has responded to questions over whether players will be paid on time.

The Red Devils’ staff and players have traditionally been paid on the final Thursday of the month, although Salford are only contractually obligated to pay them within the month.

February saw the pay come late as wages landed in early March, whereas March’s pay didn’t come on the intended Thursday but did arrive by month’s end.

With the last Thursday in April coming earlier than in previous months, it means payday is pencilled in for tomorrow and Paul Rowley was asked about the likelihood of players and staff being paid on time, as well as whether non-payment would create more squad disruption.

Previously, players have refused to train and that led to threats of £2,000 fines from the new ownership, but Rowley doesn’t think that will be the case this month.

Salford Red Devils players “understanding” of potential late pay

Speaking to the media, the Salford boss explained that the current crop of players have become accustomed to the circumstances and are accepting of the fact they may be paid a day or two late.

Rowley said: “I think we’ve got a group of players there that now are understanding the situation a little bit and that sort of narrative is hopefully drifting away.

“We’ve got some good leaders and good people who are really understanding of the situation, understanding that the stadium deal is going to be the catalyst for funds. Up until that point, it’s a struggle.”

He added: “If things are 24 hours, 48, a day or two late, obviously this month’s coming early in terms of payroll, in terms of the calendar. So I think players are very understanding and quite relaxed about the situation.

“It’s tomorrow and there’s a lot of this day left. There’s still quite a bit of the day left to communicate if that’s not going to be the case, but I think the players have got a good understanding at the minute.”

So whilst whether the pay arrives on the intended ‘pay-day’ was unclear, Rowley insisted: “I’m confident it’ll come, whether it’s tomorrow, day after, or the day after, we’ll be alright.”

He also explained that he was “more than confident” that this weekend’s fixture against Leigh Leopards will be played, even if players are not paid before then.

Back home in Round 9! 🏡

🎟️ 𝙉𝙀𝙓𝙏 𝙐𝙋, Leigh Leopards (H) – https://t.co/2nWslBAa9w pic.twitter.com/KPNsP13g8w

— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) April 22, 2025