Paul Rowley Salford Red Devils Rowley

Salford Red Devils head coach, Paul Rowley, appeared to be in an upbeat mood in this afternoon’s press conference ahead of Sunday’s Super League clash with French outfit Toulouse Olympique.

This is Salford’s first home game of the new season, and therefore the first opportunity for many of the Red Devils faithful to see their side in action.

Last weekend, Salford kicked off their 2022 season with a convincing win against Castleford Tigers 16-26. This will be a different challenge to last weekend’s away fixture, with Rowley and his players keen to relish the occasion.

Rowley said: “We need to be at our best all the time. We want to put in a good performance and win.”

Toulouse are one of only two French sides in the Super League and as a result, they are likely to play a different style of rugby to other sides in the league. It is vital Salford do not become unstuck by this, but the Red Devils head coach is aware of the challenge his side face, “Toulouse are unpredictable,” Paul Rowley said. However, he is not overly concerned by this, saying: “We’ll always prepare to win and believe we can win.”

Having recently re-signed for the Red Devils, Marc Sneyd earned himself a spot in the Super League team of the week with an impressive performance in the victory over Castleford. On Sneyd, Rowley said: “He’s a big character. Consistency will be the key for him and all his teammates.”

Rowley has been very impressed by the studious traits of his squad and described them as “real rugby nerds.”

Aside from the rugby, the potentially disruptive weather was a topic of conversation ahead of the fixture. Rowley said: “Structure and process will suit us – certainly the weather will play a part.”

The Red Devils head coach hinted that if his side are majorly affected by the blustery conditions, the game could play into Toulouse’s hands.

There are no fresh injury concerns following the Castleford game, with Rowley adding that his squad had merely suffered “bumps and bruises.”

Paul Rowley’s side take on Toulouse Olympique on Sunday 20 February at the AJ Bell Stadium.

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