Salford head coach Paul Rowley says he is not concerned about his club’s Betfred Super League future after they rounded off a crisis-hit campaign with a 52-16 home defeat to play-off bound Wakefield.
The Red Devils look almost certain to be booted out of the top flight next month due to their ongoing financial issues, and having failed to submit an application to be one of at least two prospective expansion teams.
But with an HMRC date looming over unpaid taxes, and very real concerns over the club’s sustainability at any level moving forward, Rowley believes Super League status is the least of the club’s worries.
“It’s not something I’ve been concentrating on, because I’m of the opinion that what will be will be,” said Rowley.
“It’s not the most important thing for me at the minute. The most important thing is that there is a Salford Red Devils, and I’m trying to do it in the order that things will be dropped. It is almost irrelevant at the minute compared to the bigger issues that come before it.”
Members of Salford’s controversial ownership group were present at the stadium and were targeted by home fans in an increasingly acrimonious atmosphere, which burst open when Jack Walker’s consolation try five minutes from time sparked an extended pitch invasion.
Rowley indicated he was unsure whether he would have talks with the current owners but despite being fiercely committed to the club’s cause, he acknowledged that his projected move to become football director next season is still up in the air.
“I’ve got a contract as football director but a lot of things have changed since those days,” he added. “The next thing to happen will be the clarity and to see where the club’s at before I’ll be making decisions or having thoughts on things that might never happen.”
Wakefield head coach Daryl Powell praised his side for shrugging off a nightmare start in which they lost full-back Max Jowitt to concussion within the first two minutes, then fell 12-0 behind as Salford surged forward.
Ultimately Trinity responded with a nine-try show, including a second half hat-trick from Cam Scott and eight conversions from in-form Mason Lino, but the win was tainted by the loss of Jowitt who is now ruled out of next week’s play-off eliminator at Leigh due to protocols.
“I think Salford came at us and had loads of energy, Max gets knocked out, we need a complete reshuffle and all of a sudden we’re 12-0 down and it was a little bit chaotic,” said Powell.
“But we gradually got a way back in the game, scored three tries in the first half and I thought our second-half performance was outstanding. We controlled the game, were direct and aggressive.”
Hull’s loss to Catalans on Thursday sealed Wakefield’s notable achievement of reaching the play-offs in their first season back in the top flight and Powell believes they will relish the role of underdogs starting next Friday.
“It’s a great opportunity for us,” added Powell. “We’ve almost got a free hit really to go and see what we can do. I think we’ve earned that right and we’ve earned the right to be here and do something special.”
Supplied by PA Media
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