Paul Rowley has praised the Salford Red Devils supporters for powering their team to a crucial 26-12 victory over Leeds Rhinos at the The Salford Stadium on Friday.
The Red Devils produced a stunning second 40 display to take the points in a gritty encounter, with a packed crowd enjoying some expertly worked tries and sublime individual moments.
Speaking to the press after the game, Paul Rowley was quick to point out the key difference the raucous atmosphere made to his side, noting that his players ‘responded brilliantly’ to the encouragement.
Rowley said: “I think it was a good atmosphere, you’re right. I think the crowd and supporters from both sides played a massive part in that, and credit to our club for filling the stadium like they did and there were a lot of kids here which is good to see.
“The boys responded brilliantly, both myself and Rich (Agar) last week called our teams out a little bit on attitude and intent and I thought we saw a good game on the back of that.
“So, I’m relieved and pleased that the lads got their just rewards for playing tough, which they had to do. Leeds wanted to come out and put their best pack out to start the game and get a quick start and we held them tough.”
One key moment in the game was Salford’s second try. After a period of sustained pressure on his own try-line, Joe Burgess was the quickest to pick up the ball, tap restart at the 20, and make a fantastic 60-metre run downfield.
From that passage of play, the Red Devils quickly worked the ball right and Chris Atkin found some space to power home in the right corner. A crucial try, at a crucial point in the game – and it was Burgess who had made it happen.
Rowley was full of praise for the winger after the game, and when asked if Burgess is playing at the level required to be selected by England, he said: “I’ve got no doubts at all, and Joe is like that throughout the week, he’s a competitor, he’s a winner, he knows what winning looks like, he’s been involved in winning sides, and he brings it. He’s a great lad and a great professional.”
After such a big win, Salford will now travel to take on Wigan Warriors on Friday in Round 6 of the Betfred Challenge Cup, live on Premier Sports.
Written by: Harry Siddall
Image credit: Steve McCormick
