Salford Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley has provided an update on his squad availability this weekend against Wigan Warriors.
After picking up their first win of the Super League season last Thursday against Huddersfield Giants, Salford travel to Wigan but there is a very real chance that the Red Devils will only be able to field 15 players.
Head coach Paul Rowley has spoken to the media and explained the major issues the club face with seven players injured, the latest being Harvey Wilson who suffered a HIA last week against the Giants which saw Oliver Wilson earn a two-match ban.
Asked about his side this week, Rowley said: “Harvey Wilson failed a head assessment so he is definitely out and then without me naming my squad yet, we’ve got three others, two are definitely ones we try and squeeze through with copious painkilling injections.”
On his squad landscape, he added: “We’ve got a 25-man squad, it’s cost just under £1.8 million. We’ve got seven injuries and we’ve got three players that aren’t injured who can’t play so that’s where we’re at at present time. You do the maths.”
Salford Red Devils down to 15 as Paul Rowley lays out ‘facts’ and responds to welfare question
As such, it seems that Salford will take just 15 to face Wigan and even all of those in the 15 are not 100% healthy, which Rowley spoke about.
He said: “Well, unfortunately, or fortunately, in rugby league you’ve got a lot of tough men who just want to pull a shirt on whether they’re fit or not and that’s where we’re at.
“Lads are putting their hand up to play when they probably shouldn’t be in certain aspects because of injuries but that’s the character of the guys. That’s across rugby league though, that’s how we’re bred.”
Those on the outside looking in will certainly be asking a welfare question and that was posed to the Salford Red Devils boss, but he was keen to not be seen to use it as an excuse.
Rowley responded: “I’ve got to be careful here because I don’t want a headline saying I’m throwing a welfare issue in. I’m giving you the facts, you decide if it’s a welfare issue? 25 players, seven injured and three who can’t play at a salary of £1.78 million.”
Rowley explains Salford’s efforts to get under cap
Efforts have been taken to reduce that salary, as seen by the recent exits of Marc Sneyd, Brad Singleton and Tim Lafai, with the latter taking to social media earlier on to confirm his exit.
Rowley spoke on the club’s efforts whilst also confirming that the club have “been told no” in regards to the possibility of playing the three fit players (Nene Macdonald, Sam Davis, Ben Hellewell) who are not currently under the cap.
He said: “We took £300,000 and something off in terms of players sold so everybody is making a big effort. Tomorrow will be pay day which will be two lots of wages gone in so there is a really big effort here at the club to get things done and work within the restrictions.”
There was confirmation that new Castleford Tigers loanee George Hill is one of the 15 who will play, whilst Rowley joked that assistant coach Krisnan Inu may even be called upon.
He stated: “It’s only a Wednesday so I’m still digging and trying to get loan players, so hopefully not but possibly so. Inu has polished his boots so there is a chance there.”
