Salford Red Devils boss Rowley opens up on getting over "soul-destroying" blow
Frustrated Salford boss Paul Rowley admits it is “soul-destroying” seeing his talented side broken up.
But he maintains they will be competitive when the new Betfred Super League season kicks off in three weeks' time. Financially-troubled Red Devils sold England prop Tyler Dupree to Wigan in July. But then they also had to unexpectedly off-load ex-Man of Steel Brodie Croft and England Andy Ackers to Leeds in October to help balance the books.
Rowley conceded: “It’s heartbreaking. You believe and you see a picture and sometimes, when it comes all at once, you don’t see it coming. Surprises in rugby league aren’t normally good ones and they have been damaging for us.
“It is soul-destroying. But right or wrong, I don't think anyone makes those decisions to purposely damage or hurt anybody or take the soul and spirit from people. They do it because as number one they have to preserve the 150 years of history here; the club’s bigger than everybody. That's the most important thing and it’s preserved and as healthy as possible.”
Ken Sio also headed home to Australia on compassionate grounds and fellow winger Joe Burgess was sacked earlier this month for an off-field issue. Ireland international Ethan Ryan has joined from Hull KR but the wideman is currently injured and unlikely to be fit for the opener at Leeds on February 16. With only a 24-man squad, Rowley has needed to get resourceful. And that’s where special praise has come in for scrum-half/hooker Chris Atkin, 30, who is set for a new position.
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Rowley said: “I have to give credit to Chris because in pre-season, with us having lost two wingers, he’s run on the wing. And we’ll probably start the season with him on the wing, too. He’s run at loose forward, hooker and half and that must have been really frustrating for him.
Chris Atkin has been praised by Rowley (Getty Images)“But to have such a player as that, who every time he does it [switch position] he does it to such a high standard, is great. I feel sorry and I don't like having to do that to him a lot. But what I've got to say is that he's appreciated and valued by everyone around him. He just gets on with it. We’re very grateful. And whilst we tell him, I think it needs to be said publicly because players like Chris don’t get enough praise and appreciation because they are just quiet achievers.”
Centre Deon Cross is likely to switch to Salford’s other wing with Rowley having strengthened in the centre position. Nene Macdonald joined from Leeds and Chris Hankinson came in from Featherstone with both looking for a spot alongside Tim Lafai.
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