Paul Rowley credits Salford and Toulouse for battling monsoon conditions

Paul Rowley said he could not remember a game being played in such poor conditions following his side’s victory over Toulouse.

Salford made it back-to-back wins with a 38-12 triumph over Toulouse. Rowley’s side opened their campaign with a win over Castleford.

With strong winds and rain likened by Rowley to a monsoon, Salford and Toulouse both deserve credit for the way they performed, according to the Red Devils boss.

Despite Storm Eunice, all Super League fixtures went ahead over the weekend for round two. The Championship was hit, with just three games going ahead, while Dewsbury host Widnes on Monday night.

Paul Rowley credits both teams following Sunday’s fixture

Rowley said: “Sat at the back of the stand, it would have been easy to get frustrated because it looked sloppy.

“Our skills were a bit off but when you get closer to the pitch you start to appreciate just how difficult the conditions were. So, I’d like to give great credit to both teams.

“Did I learn a lot from it? Probably not. It was very wet and windy so difficult for anyone to control the ball. However, our kicking game was good and we needed to run the ball a bit more.

“We have a few decent runners and our start to the game was particularly good, though we got derailed a bit. We finished off strongly, which is reward for the spectators who came here and braved the weather.”

Ken Sio shines with four tries

Salford winger Ken Sio weighed in with four tries and Rowley is happy to have him at the club. He finished 2021 as the league’s top try-scorer.

He said: “He’s low maintenance. A player every club would want. We are very lucky to have him. To score four tries is a fantastic achievement – he’s started this season the way he finished last.”

Rowley said there was no chance of anyone getting carried away by Salford’s winning start to the season, even though last term it took the Red Devils until the middle of June to register a second victory.

He said: “Our start is good for everyone’s confidence. We have a new spine and a new coaching staff. It’s important we embed belief at the beginning of the process.

“We have a good group and a lot of belief in the camp. We know we have to really work hard but I’m very happy to have beaten two good teams.”

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