Salford recruitment update as Paul Rowley pays tribute to Dan Sarginson

Salford coach Paul Rowley says he doesn’t expect to bring someone in to replace Dan Sarginson, who has recently retired from the game.

Earlier this week, former England international Sarginson announced his decision to hang up the boots with immediate effect, aged 29.

Sarginson had not made an appearance for the Red Devils in 2023 due to illness.

Speaking to the media ahead of Sunday’s match against Wakefield, Salford coach Rowley paid tribute to Sarginson whilst providing an update on recruitment.

Rowley said: “There’s no budget freed up but in terms of Dan retiring, he will be well missed by the playing group and staff.

“We’ve really enjoyed working with Dan and sharing his company.

“He is a good guy and we wish him all the best in his next chapter. I’m sure he will be successful in whatever he does, he is that sort of character.

“In terms of going forward, it’s not really made any difference to us (in terms of playing numbers). We’ve been treating it as though he is not here over the last few weeks and we will just carry on.”

FAREWELL: Dan Sarginson shares heartfelt message after calling time on his career

Paul Rowley expecting a tough challenge from Wakefield

The Red Devils welcome Wakefield to the AJ Bell Stadium in Round Five of Super League on Sunday.

Salford enter the game with confidence on the back of a thrilling 60-14 win at Hull last week, whilst Wakefield are still seeking their first win of the season.

Rowley said: “They’ve been in a few good arm wrestles. They’ve got to half-time without conceding points so they are a tough nut to crack.

“They’ll probably target us as an opportunity for them to put their best foot forward. With every game they don’t win, the more desperate they become.

“On paper, they’ve got a decent side there with some good experience and athletes, people like Reece Lyne, who is an international centre. Liam Hood is really strong out of nine as well.

“They’ve got a good team. I’ll probably say the biggest threat they’ve got is their leader Mason Lino. I think he has been fantastic for them over a period of time, so we’ll give them every bit of respect they deserve so we’re looking forward to the fixture but we are certainly aware that we need to be at our best.

“They’ll be desperate and totally motivated to string together a performance for 80 minutes, a little bit like us.

“They’ve shown long periods of resilience in most of the games they’ve played so I’m sure they are going to come here full of confidence and fully motivated to get over the whitewash first and foremost; and then to get their first win on the board. They are a decent team, that’s for sure.”

Salford are currently fifth in the Super League table, having won two from four.

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