Warrington Wolves: Paul Rowley would be perfect fit for vacant head coach role
Salford Red Devils coach Paul Rowley would be the perfect fit for Warrington Wolves following the departure of Daryl Powell.
Powell, 58, left his position on Sunday by mutual consent following the 42-6 defeat to Wakefield in Super League.
The result at Belle Vue marked the side’s fifth successive Super League defeat and dropped them to the final play-off spot in sixth position.
The Wolves are now on the hunt for their next permanent head coach, with former St Helens boss Justin Holbrook named favourite to land the job.
Lee Briers, Shaun Wane and Justin Morgan were also among those priced by Super League sponsors Betfred – but why is nobody talking about Rowley?
Paul Rowley would be perfect fit for Warrington Wolves
Leigh-born Rowley was appointed Salford’s head coach ahead of the 2022 campaign, and led the side to the Super League semi-finals in his debut season in charge, falling just short to eventual champions St Helens at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
The Red Devils finished the regular season in sixth spot with 14 wins from 28, with Salford arguably punching above their weight, boasting one of the smallest squads – and budgets – in Super League.
To date in Super League 2023, Salford hold another 50% win record with 10 from 20 to sit just outside the play-offs in seventh spot.
Rowley oozes class, which is exactly what Warrington Wolves will want to return to the Halliwell Jones Stadium upon the exit of Powell.
They’re a side low on confidence and self belief by the looks of their recent performance, and Rowley could be the perfect fit to reignite the fire.
He is a skilled, experienced head coach who could have the world of success with what may feel like an unlimited budget compared to his current.
It’s no secret that Salford have one of the smallest resources in the competition, as previously discussed by the coach himself with Love Rugby League. But Rowley perfectly manages his squad and gets the best out of his players – rejuvenating careers for players like Tim Lafai and Brodie Croft, and being a part of developing some of the best talent in the competition including Deon Cross, Andy Ackers and recent Wigan signing Tyler Dupree.
Those skills wouldn’t necessary be required at the HJS, but it demonstrates his player management and getting the best out of his squad.
With a budget beyond his imagination and a youth system in place, Rowley could be the coach to bring success to Warrington Wolves, who last tasted glory in 2019 with the Challenge Cup victory over St Helens.
Rowley promotes eye-catching rugby league, one that has seen Salford produce some classy performances in his tenure, and could fit the bill at Warrington with the likes of George Williams, Matt Dufty and Matty Ashton within their squad.
It’s a name that hasn’t had much link to Warrington, but one I would be keen to talk to if I was in charge of the club.