Salford embracing dramatic end to season as race for play-offs intensifies

Drew Darbyshire
Paul Rowley Salford Red Devils SWpix

Photo: Paul Currie/SWpix

Salford coach Paul Rowley says the final two games of the regular season is a challenge his side are relishing as they target a spot in the play-offs.

The Red Devils kept their play-off hopes alive with a 28-18 win over Hull at the AJ Bell Stadium on Thursday night.

Salford came from being 12-10 behind at the break to score three tries through Ken Sio, Deon Cross and Ryan Brierley.

Rowley said: “Coming through a tough game without it being overly pretty is a good sign. We are happy to win ugly tonight.

“We have got belief in the group and we were patient. I don’t think the players were very stressed, even when Hull came back at the end. That’s an admirable quality that we’ve got.

“We turned the heat up a bit defensively at the start of the second half. It was a really even game at the start and statistically, we were good but in terms of execution it was a little bit off from us.”

Salford relishing fight for play-offs

Salford face play-off rivals Castleford on Bank Holiday Monday; and Rowley says his side are relishing the final two games of the season.

He said: “We try to focus on each game so as not to invest energy. From day one it’s always been about us and not worrying about the opposition.

“It doesn’t feel like the end of the season to us and we are fighting and fighting hard. It’s a huge fixture on Monday and no doubt the ground will be bouncing.”

Meanwhile, Toulouse’s relegation from Super League has been officially confirmed after they lost 24-14 to French neighbours Catalans Dragons.

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