Salford Red Devils manager addresses departure of Leeds Rhinos boss

Salford boss Paul Rowley insists the only thing the Red Devils can do is push on following the departure of former director of rugby Ian Blease, who joined Leeds Rhinos earlier this week.

Blease has been connected to Salford for some 20 years, representing the club both on and off the pitch.

Appointed the club’s Director of Rugby in 2016, Blease played a key role in the runs to both the 2019 Grand Final and 2020 Challenge Cup finals, as well as being a guiding voice for Rowley since taking charge ahead of the campaign in 2022.

The Red Devils produced the perfect performance to shut out any outside noise on Friday night as they won 25-14 away at Warrington to move level on points with Wolves, who they have now doubled.

Salford Red Devils boss Paul Rowley addresses Ian Blease’s departure after Warrington Wolves win

And after seeing his side climb to fifth place, Rowley insists the only thing he needs to do now is look forward with gratitude for what Blease has done for the club.

The Red Devils head coach believes his group will do just that because it is in their DNA, as he detailed after the match at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Rowley said: “The whole group and ourselves are really pleased for Ian.

“He will be missed because we enjoy his company and he is good at his job so we wish him well.

“But this game moves pretty fast, and when you have a group that builds everything on a little bit of fun, a little bit of laughter, fun and hard work, then within 10 minutes you’re making a joke and you’re Over.

“That’s the only way really and it would be the same if any players left or any of the staff left.

“You wouldn’t want that under any circumstances, that’s just the environment we’re in, we’re in an environment full of characters and I think our club has more than most.”

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