Salford Red Devils boss on potential player exits, pride and upcoming Challenge Cup clash

Salford Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley has spoken after his side’s 54-0 loss to Wigan Warriors, a game played in the backdrop of a club crisis.

Rowley had told the media during the week that the club had just 15 players available with three set to require painkilling injections. They would loan in Jonny Vaughan from St Helens but saw senior players Chris Atkin and Kallum Watkins not named in the matchday squad, meaning more academy call-ups.

Reports from All Out Rugby League have suggested that Watkins refused to play amid interest from Leeds Rhinos, with Rowley asked on Sky Sports about the reports of player exits.

“It’s very difficult to judge anyone based on how they go about their business,” he responded, but added that his focus was on those who were involved and available for selection.

“What I’ve always tried to do is concern myself with the lads who are in there and pull their shirt on. Anyone else who missed out, that’s not my concern.

“My concern is those in the dressing room and I put all my energy into them and I’m very proud of them.”

Despite that, he did confirm he’s unclear if players will exit before next week’s Challenge Cup trip to face Catalans Dragons, responding: “Who knows, who knows? It’s a difficult situation where we’re getting squeezed from a lot of different directions so it is difficult at the minute.”

Salford Red Devils boss beams with pride despite 54-0 loss

The Warriors are back to winning ways 🍒#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/ZDc1P7A25I

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 30, 2025

Rowley also spoke with huge pride on his team’s performance, particularly given that two players were loaned in this week and several others hailed from the club’s academy including debutant Jimmy Shields.

The Salford coach was seen to gather his players in a circle post-match and shake each and every player’s hand, and when asked what he said, Rowley spoke on the character of his Red Devils side.

He explained: “I’ve just reiterated to them what they already know really about their character which is what we’ve built everything on in the four years that I’ve been here.

“Whilst we don’t accept mediocrity and there are things in there that we’d want to polish up on and we’re not happy about regarding standards and stuff, the one thing you can’t question is character. That’s a big tick.”

Others who will be proud will be the player’s mothers with Rowley stating: “It’s Mother’s day today and there should be some proud mothers there because I thought he youngsters, who got excited about playing put a great account of themselves.

“They had the privilege of playing alongside some experienced players who help turn nerves into confidence, people like (Chris) Hill and Jack Ormondroyd in particular who did long minutes.

“I can’t speak highly enough of them players who competed and had a dig. You remember games like this for the rest of your career. I never like losing but I’ve got to take my hat off for the character of the players.”

Ever gracious and respectful, the Salford boss also made sure to credit Wigan who were almost forgotten despite running in nine tries in front of their home fans.

“We don’t like losing but credit to Wigan as well,” he said.

“We’re stood here talking about us but fair play to Wigan who have done the job. It’s a tough day but we’re a confident bunch.

“One of the things we have spoken about is that we’re busted but we’ll come back, we’ve got a big game next week and we’ll walk tall out of this stadium and into next week.”

The Red Devils will travel to Perpignan and face Catalans Dragons as they bid for a place in the Challenge Cup semi-final.