A Red Devil in disguise: Kurt Haggerty one of Salford’s unsung heroes

Salford wouldn’t be where they are today without the hard work of their assistant coaches Kurt Haggerty and Danny Orr, according to head honcho Paul Rowley.

The Red Devils find themselves just 80 minutes away from reaching the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford.

However, champions St Helens stand in their way. The two sides meet at the Totally Wicked Stadium in the semi-finals on Saturday afternoon.

Rowley took the head coaching reins at Salford ahead of this season – but the former Toronto and Leigh boss is refusing to take all the credit for their impressive turnaround.

“I’ve worked with Kurt for a long time,” Rowley told Love Rugby League. “I coached Kurt when he was one of my back-rowers at Leigh.

“He was a super talented player and was absolutely gifted. He wouldn’t get in my side because he didn’t work hard enough and he knows that! But that’s probably because he was super smart and super intelligent, so he relied on his skills and then he went on to Bradford and I pulled him out of his playing career and he came on to coach with me at Toronto.

“I’ve leaned on Kurt massively because this job was a big one to take. The squad needed a complete overhaul and while I’m managing, Kurt is coaching along with Danny Orr.

“He’s a head coach assisting me, and the three of us coach in equal measures.”

Paul Rowley: Kurt Haggerty has been fantastic for me

Rowley continued: “What I will say, just like the players, it is a pleasure to work with him. We have an hour to ourselves, seven til eight in a morning, just tidying things up. He loses Wordle though! I turn up to work with my best mates and they are both dear friends.

“One by one the lads roll in and then it is like a dog with a bone. Each time anyone comes in we have smiles on our faces and we are pleased to see each individual and we have a chat.

“It is a happy place, obviously winning helps that but I would say it has been a happy place even throughout the tough periods, so it’s a good camp.”

Rowley, Haggerty and Orr will look to help the Red Devils topple the Saints on Saturday. Wigan face Leeds in the other semi-final on Friday.

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