Salford coach Rowley praises 'unparalleled' staff

Paul Rowley was appointed head coach of Salford Red Devils in November 2021

Outgoing Salford Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley has labelled his staff as "unparalleled" ahead of his final match in charge of the club against Wakefield on Friday.

Rowley, 50, is stepping down as coach of Super League's bottom side at the end of the season with the club facing an uncertain future following a campaign of unprecedented turmoil.

The club was taken over in February by a consortium fronted by Swiss businessman Dario Berta, who assured supporters he would "deliver additional significant investment for the future growth of the club."

Despite this, there have been numerous high-profile departures, several late payments to staff and a winding-up petition has been ordered against the club.

"I'm relieved if I'm being honest and I'm pretty proud that I managed to get the team to the finish line," Rowley told BBC Radio Manchester as he reflected on the 2025 season.

"That's a bit sad really because you should never want the finish line to come in rugby league where the last game is the most important.

"Everybody at the club, certainly the staff, have been immense. I'm surrounded by good people. My staff have become my best friends and I think the moral compass of the staff at this club is unparalleled.

"We'll bounce in to Friday and then we'll probably just collapse in a heap after that and enjoy a bit of quality time – have a little bit of a reminisce and a cry, maybe."

On Monday, the RFL confirmed Salford did not apply to be in next season's expanded 14-team Super League.

With the RFL seeking assurances that clubs are financially secure in order to enter next year's competition, Salford's participation appears to be unlikely.

It would mean the Red Devils would be playing their rugby outside the top flight for the first time since 2009.

Rowley guided Salford to a fourth-placed finish last year and is due to stay on as a director of rugby, despite the club's drastic financial situation.

In spite of the club's sudden demise, Rowley looks back on his time as coach with affection.

"I've really enjoyed a lot of the journey," he added. "It's been a burden and a privilege in equal measures - I'm still that 50-year-old lad living the dream.

"I think it [Friday's match] will be a strange night in many ways - there is no tomorrow.

"It's going to be a sad end to the evening on Friday but we'll enjoy every minute until that [final] minute comes."