Paul Rowley hailed the battling spirit of his players as beleaguered Salford Red Devils pulled off one of the great Super League shocks to beat Warrington 25-12.

The crisis-riddled Red Devils have been embroiled in financial turmoil all season and face a winding-up hearing next Wednesday 3 September.

The bottom side have also been hit by a raft of player departures and just this month have failed to fulfil one fixture and conceded 80 points in another.

Yet despite now having a squad bolstered by numerous emergency loan signings, the Red Devils defied the odds to produce what was a stunning result, even against an out-of-sorts Warrington side.

Following the game Rowley said: “It was a day to show what Salford offers as a club. This club has a lot of soul, a lot of spirit, a lot of pride.

“It’s a story of the underdog – always fighting, never give up. We’ve got everything apart from a load of money in our pockets.

“I’m very proud of the very fabric and very tapestry of Salford Red Devils. Today was a very good day.”

Rowley refused to discuss next week’s hearing, which threatens the existence of the club.

“I am not thinking about any of that,” he said. “I’ve had a good day, please don’t tarnish it by asking those questions.”

Salford Red Devils had seemed set for another tough night when Matt Dufty crossed early for Warrington but they hit back through Jack Darbyshire and Justin Sangare crossed twice before Tiaki Chan also touched down.

Paul Rowley after the game – screenshot via Super League Facebook

Rowan Milnes converted al four tries and made victory certain with a late drop goal.

Asked to rank the victory, Rowley said: “This ranks in its own category. It’s very different. The two points don’t mean anything to us at this point.

“But the connection with the fans – the lads, new and old, ones who represent clubs that have kindly loaned us players, I can’t speak highly enough of them.

“I’m really pleased for Justin, getting two tries. It’s a good day.”

The Red Devils celebrations will be heard going on into the night, with the sold away support being heard and rewarded.

More information about the victory can be found here.

 

Featured image from screenshot via Betfred Super League 

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