Salford Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley has provided some team news after last week’s trip to France, as well as an update on one of those linked with an exit from the club.
The Red Devils went down 38-10 at the hands of Catalans in a valiant display that saw them impress their strong travelling support, many of whom had made the trip just two weeks prior for the Challenge Cup.
Speaking ahead of their home clash against Leigh Leopards on Saturday, Salford boss Paul Rowley gave a fitness update on the Red Devils with just one blow sustained.
“We’re relatively healthy,” Rowley confirmed, stating: “Matty Foster obviously got a HIA, so he’ll be unavailable for this week. He’s OK though and everything’s good, so we’re just following the protocol and he should be available for Magic Weekend.
“Everybody else is just bumps and bruises really, nothing that’s going to keep anybody out.”
Salford Red Devils boss gives update on Deon Cross
Credit: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Rowley also agreed that the past few weeks have seen the most continuity in the team and he offered high praise for the team’s six loanees in regards to that.
He said: “Touch wood. We’ve got a decent group of lads, obviously our loan players are in now and they’re committing really well. With that comes a little bit of unfamiliarity, so we’ve got to acknowledge that there’ll be some disconnects there in offence and defence.
“We’re happy that we’ve got a good group. Obviously, it’s very different than the group that practised pre-season but again, it’s small mercies at the minute.”
One man who hasn’t featured or even trained since that Challenge Cup defeat to Catalans in early April is Deon Cross, who was linked with a move to St Helens, and Rowley confirmed that the outside back is still not in contention.
“They’re dealing with Chris (Irwin, CEO), so it’s not direct to me,” he explained.
“I’m only getting that news second hand but as far as I’m aware he’s not available. I think there’s a sick note gone in. He’s not here and that’s about all I need to know.”
It’s also believed that Chris Atkin is another who isn’t training and Rowley spoke about the strange circumstances at Salford, as well as his unwavering support for those who are comitting.
Rowley said: “I would imagine it’s not a regular question for a coach to a CEO to say, ‘Who have I got this week?’ but our club obviously is different. I’m acutely aware of two players that aren’t turning up but I’m fine with that and put my energy into the lads that are turning up.”
Asked if there was any ‘hurt’ in regards to players not training, Rowley responded: “I just stand up for the group and make sure that I don’t let them down. I don’t have any thoughts like that about anybody.
“It’s a difficult situation for everybody and everybody will do their own things but I’ve got a good group like I said before and my energy is on making sure I do the right thing by them and them that I’m in a dig then I’ll make sure I work with them and enjoy that time.”
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Christopher Evans
April 23, 2025 at 1:34 pm
Us fans keep getting bad news of reporters, but we are still moving along, i met on a flight to Turkey a Castleford fan he said we feel sorry for you fans and your club, so it’s good to know that other fans are behind us, keep going paul and the team we appreciate what you all are doing.
John Crees
April 24, 2025 at 12:46 pm
I think “Rugby Football League” Governing body should be ashamed of the themselves they can see that the club are trying to do everything they can to resolve the situation.
So far the “Rugby Football League” seems to have been guilty In what has transpired.
I’m not a Salford fan. I feel sorry for the whole team of Super league Team as this years Championship will have been tainted. I place this mess at the hands of “Rugby Football League”