Iestyn Harris: Salford head coach still in charge - Koukash

Harris joined Salford after a spell as assistant at Wigan

Iestyn Harris remains head coach of Salford despite speculation he is set to leave the Super League side, says Red Devils owner Marwan Koukash.

Harris, 39, missed Salford's 18-14 win over Catalans on Sunday as assistant Ian Watson guided them to just their second win in the last 12 matches.

But Koukash revealed Harris's absence was down to illness.

"Iestyn is sick, he's not feeling very well," Koukash, 57, told BBC Radio Manchester.

"Ian Watson led the team and led them very, very well."

With Australia head coach Tim Sheens arriving on Tuesday to take up his director of rugby role at the AJ Bell Stadium, there were reports he could replace former dual-code Wales international Harris.

"About 15 or 16 months ago when I first met up with Iestyn about the job, he always knew that Tim was going to be the director of rugby," added Koukash.

"When Tim came here for a month or so earlier in the season and went back, everybody knew he would return - we're very, very glad he's going to be here.

"It has been a very difficult week because of the speculation about Iestyn.

"I'm really looking forward to Tim being here to take some of the pressure off me."

Salford offered free entry for their game against Catalans and 5,078 took advantage