Record-breaker wins Super League Manager of the Month

Paul Rowley, the coach of Salford Red Devils, has achieved a remarkable feat by being named the Betfred Super League coach of the month for March.

The highlight of the month was undoubtedly when Salford beat St Helens 24-20 away for the first time in 44 years, with a late try from Dean Cross completing a historic comeback, an impressive record for the Red Devils’ coach to help topple.

At the start of the week in March, the Reds brought Hull KR’s unbeaten run to an end with a brilliant display at the Salford Stadium, winning 17-10.

Salford gave Hull KR no time on the ball early on which led to a couple of mistakes from Hull KR  meaning the two tries in the first half from Salford was the difference between the two sides.

Despite facing setbacks, Rowley’s team demonstrated their resilience in March. They were narrowly defeated by Wigan, who secured the win with two late tries from Jake Wardle and Bevan French. A week later, they faced a tough loss against Hull KR in the Challenge Cup round of 16.

However, the Reds Devils bounced back in their next game, beating Leigh at home on rivals’ weekend, and they did not make the same mistake as they did against Wigan, giving Leigh no chance to get back into the game.

Rowley made a comment via Salford’s social media, stating: “It is a privilege to receive accolades that reflect the efforts of the playing group.”

He went on to say, “We have made a positive start and are committed to working hard and continuing to learn and improve as the season progresses.”

A few words from our Head Coach following his award! 😎 pic.twitter.com/Je5AE1pMBZ

— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) April 9, 2024

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Rowley has punched above his weight at Salford with resources and squad depth limited compared to other teams in the league, but that’s not something that prevents the head coach from playing one of the most entertaining brands of rugby in Super League.

His coaching prowess is evident in the performance of his players, particularly Ryan Brierley and Marc Sneyd. Their contributions have been instrumental in all of Salford’s victories this season, with Sneyd topping the Man of Steel leaderboard currently.

News of Rowley’s Manager of the Month win was confirmed via the Super League website where the comments of one of the voting panel were also published.

That voter said: “Although Salford didn’t win 100% of their games in March, the quality of the results achieved by Paul Rowley and his team is only heightened in the context of their resources and squad depth compared to some of their peers.

“They continue to punch above their weight. Beating Hull KR and St Helens showed Rowley can tactically outgun some of the best in the league, and while they lost to Wigan Warriors, they were in the driving seat to win before a late turnaround. Rowley continues to get the best out of players such as Ryan Brierley and Marc Sneyd who are vital cogs in their machine.”

Those comments echo what pundit Sam Tomkins said about Salford Red Devils when it was reported by Sky Sports what the estimated salary spend of each Super League side was in 2024, with the Red Devils way below the cap of £2.1 millon.