Salford Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley is being heavily linked with a move to Super League club St Helens, sparking concern among Red Devils supporters who fear the club could be about to lose one of their most influential figures in the club’s modern history.
Multiple reports suggest that Rowley is a leading contender to replace Paul Wellens, who left St Helens upon the expiry of his contract. St Helens are believed to be impressed by his ability to compete at the top end of Super League, despite having limited resources.
Rowley, who joined Salford in 2022, has earned a strong reputation for his attacking style and leadership, guiding the Red Devils to the Super League play-offs and building a close bond with supporters. His potential departure has left many fans worried about what comes next.
Rob Parkinson, who hosts the fan podcast ‘Devil in the Detail’, believes losing Rowley would have a major impact on the club.
“He played a real pivotal part in keeping the club going. I think if Paul Rowley had gone during the season, the wheels would have really fallen off, because he stayed and was able to keep the players playing, and keep the fans sort of on side.”
Rowley has repeatedly spoken about the need for financial stability at Salford and Parkinson feels he may be tempted by the opportunities St Helens can offer.
“It’s a difficult situation for him, because he doesn’t know what his future holds, does he? He’s waiting, like everyone else.”
Despite the speculation, Rob says Rowley would still have the respect of the fans if he chose to move, saying: “It’s going to be a difficult situation, really, for the fans if he does depart. But, you know, we’d understand if he does go to St Helens, and he would go with our best wishes.”
Rowley, who is currently evens with bookie Betfred to take the reins at St Helens with the odds shortening overnight, was expected to become Salford’s Director of Rugby at the end of the year.
His assistant, Kurt Haggerty, was due to fill the vacant Head Coach position following Rowley’s change of role, but the club’s succession plan quickly broke down when he left Red Devils by mutual consent at the start of September.
Given a twice adjourned winding up order is set to be served against the club in a High Court hearing on 29 October, the club could cease to exist at the end of the month.
St Helens parted ways with head coach Paul Wellens upon the expiry of his contract earlier this month, following their Super League semi-final defeat to eventual Grand Final winners Hull KR.
Saints’ are the Super League’s most successful club, having won the competition 10 times since it was founded in 1996.
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