Iestyn Harris: Salford coach 'dealing' with issues

Iestyn Harris guided Salford to 10th place in Super League last season

Salford Red Devils head coach Iestyn Harris is "dealing" with issues surrounding his future, according to assistant Ian Watson.

The 39-year-old former dual-code Wales international has missed the Super League club's last four matches.

Red Devils owner Marwan Koukash said Harris's absence is down to illness and he remains in charge.

"We've not had much contact over the last couple of weeks to be honest," Watson, 38, told BBC Radio Manchester.

"I saw him early last week and he seems to be better, but I know he's dealing with a lot of stuff, so that's just left with Iestyn at the moment."

Former Salford scrum-half Watson has been acting head coach in the absence of Harris, winning two of his four games in charge.

He has been assisted by Australia's World Cup-winning coach Tim Sheens, who arrived as director of rugby last month.

"It's a good challenge and great experience for me, and it's obviously good having someone like Tim to bounce ideas off," added Watson.

"He oversees everything I do and he seems to have been pleased with everything we've done so far - to have somebody of that experience has been great for me."

The Red Devils finished 11th after their loss at Widnes on Sunday and will now compete in The Qualifiers to secure a place in Super League next season.