Joe Burgess: Salford coach Paul Rowley urges England to recall winger

Salford boss Paul Rowley believes Joe Burgess should be recalled by England after the winger’s match-winning performance against struggling Leeds.

Burgess produced a devastating long-distance break that changed the game after half-time, as the Red Devils came from behind to strike a hammer blow to the Rhinos and their under-pressure coach Richard Agar.

The 27-year-old former Wigan and Sydney winger was left out of coach Shaun Wane’s 30-man squad ahead of a June international against the Combined Nations All Stars, with Tom Davies, Tommy Makinson, Jermaine McGillvary and England’s all-time leading scorer Ryan Hall competing for the spots on the wing.

But Rowley believes Burgess remains one of the four or five best wingers available to Wane and has backed his man to force his way into the side in time for the autumn World Cup on home soil.

“It’s absolutely realistic,” Rowley told Love Rugby League.

“What is he 6ft 3in? Absolutely rapid, brave, a clever footballer, he’s got everything that every other top winger in this competition has got so 100% yeah I’m right behind him for England.

“That’s his goal too, he’s driven, he wants to win, whatever he’s doing he’s a competitor.

“Absolutely he wants to be in the mix for England and his performances are showing it. He’s been great every game he’s played for us but he’s been great during the week as well.”

Paul Rowley pleased with Salford response to recent defeats

Rowley was delighted with the way his side bounced back from three straight defeats in Super League.

He added: “I am pleased for the players and supporters.

“It was a relief to get a couple of points after a series of losses. It was a good atmosphere and the supporters from both sides played a part in the event.

“The boys responded brilliantly. I think both myself and Richard Agar had called out our teams on attitude and intent after the last game, so I was relieved and pleased the lads got their rewards for playing tough. It was nip and tuck but we stuck to our beliefs.”

Salford travel to Wigan next Friday in the sixth round of the Challenge Cup.

PLAY: Our free Fantasy Rugby League competition is back for 2022