Super League coach sets the record straight about growing “fiction” around transfer saga

There has been a lot of talk about Tyler Dupree’s future.

Salford Red Devils have received two bids for his services from Hull KR and a further bid from the Wigan Warriors.

There was also a transfer request but since then Dupree has played both games for the Red Devils, scored against Hull FC, starred against Hull KR and looks settled.

Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester, coach Paul Rowley addressed how this situation has affected him and the group:

“It’s been difficult. I’ve found it difficult personally because when you’ve got a close group like we have, to have that threatened is difficult.

“I’m here on the premise that if I build something, which is what I would consider my strength, that people don’t take it apart. And to me, the minute that happens, then I’m stressing.

“I’m at my worst when I’m not in control of a situation but I feel I’m in control of it at the minute. We’ve got a full group of committed players there. Every single one of them, I include everybody in that. And they had to be today to turn over Hull KR.”

Rowley then stated that there was plenty of “fiction” going around about the situation and the “fact” is he is a Salford player:

“Well the fact is he’s got a three year contract, he’s training well, he’s playing well, he’s got a smile on his face and I’m enjoying his company. Everything else is fiction.”

Rowley also addressed what the future could hold for the Red Devils:

“Well the first thing is nobody’s getting carried away so we’re still early in the season. We’ve got to monkey off our back beating Hull KR for a start because they’ve been a bit of a bogey team for us.

“We’re sat at a halfway point just past and we’re in a better place than last year. People keep saying our attack’s not clicked. I think we had some red hot attack today.

“We’re averaging the same points now as we were this time last year in attack. We’re six points on average better in defence per game. So there’s been an improvement.

“Long may that continue because, as you’ve seen, we’ve won some games by two points, four points, one point. But we’re winning them games and that’s really important.

“So, we’ve got a bit of fortitude, we’ve got a bit of stubbornness about us, we’ve got a bit of belief and we’ve got some really talented players. We’re alright.

“You know my saying ‘under promise and over deliver’ and that’s the way I’ll keep going. It doesn’t mean I walk into any stadium with my head down, Ill still walk tall.”