Brian McDermott misses post-match press conference; issues statement

Toronto coach Brian McDermott has issued a statement after missing the post-match press conference following his side’s 24-16 defeat to Salford.

The former Leeds coach failed to appear for the assembled media after the Wolfpack went down 24-16 against last season’s Super League Grand Finalists.

In a statement via the club’s Twitter account, he said: “My apologies to the media and the press along with the Salford and Toronto fans for missing the press conference.

“It was not an intended action, but a genuine mistake.

“There was a bit of confusion after the game, as I waited outside my dressing room for a long while, waiting to be called in for the media.

“I assumed they didn’t want to talk to me as the losing coach for today’s match.

“I’d obviously got it wrong, and that was my error.

“Credit to Salford on their win, they handled the tougher periods of the game better than we did.”

REPORT: Salford leave it late to deny Toronto first Super League win

Toronto showed up well in a tight game, which they led through Gary Wheeler midway through the first half.

Brad Singleton’s first try for the club levelled the scores at 16-all with nine minutes to go, but the Red Devils pulled away late on, with back-to-back tries from Dan Sarginson and Niall Evalds.

It’s the first time in the club’s history that the Wolfpack have lost successive games.

REACTION: Ian Watson pleased with Salford’s mentality after “must-win” Toronto clash