Paul Rowley hints at international call-ups following Magic Weekend victory

Salford head coach Paul Rowley has backed some of his star players to earn England call-ups at the end of the year following the side’s 26-16 victory over Hull KR at Magic Weekend. 

The Red Devils ran in three tries over Willie Peters’ side, while Marc Sneyd kicked 14 points to take his career tally beyond 1000 goals. 

Ryan Brierley was once again at the heart of the victory, with Joe Burgess, Ken Sio and Chris Atkin all crossing for the four-pointers.

Salford boss Rowley believes some of his players should be in the picture for an international call-up come the end of the season as Shaun Wane’s England prepare for a three test series against Tonga on home soil. 

Brierley, who joined Rowley for Salford’s post-match media duties, has crossed for five tries so far in 2023 and added to his five try assists in the victory over Hull KR in Newcastle. 

He has previously won nine caps for Scotland on the international scene, including an appearance at last year’s World Cup.

Salford boss full of praise for Ryan Brierley

“Ryan Brierley has been the best full-back on the pitch for the last five or six games in all our games,” Rowley said post-match

“I guess there’s a reason why every time I go somewhere to a different club, this man comes with me. 

“We have several people who are quietly letting their actions speak louder than their words. 

“At some point, you’ve got to start having a look, when it comes to that end of season, there’s some people putting their names up for some selections there if you know what I mean.

“We had some really big performances from individuals.

“Ryan [Brierley], Brodie [Croft] and Ollie Partington as well doing 80 minutes in the middle.

“It was a good game of rugby.

“I thought both teams contributed really well and whilst there were some error in the first half, I thought they were in the attempt to score or good errors in an entertainment point of view and I thought it was a really good game to kick off Magic Weekend.”

Paul Rowley on sin-bin

Rowley says he had no complaints over Deon Cross’ sin-bin in the second half after the centre was pinned for a late shot on Lachlan Coote, with the Hull KR full-back ducking down after collecting a kick.

The yellow card came moments after Dean Hadley was sent for 10 for a late and high shot on Sneyd, leading to a penalty goal for a 14-12 score to Salford – Sneyd’s 1000th career goal.

“To answer that one, I think Deon needs to have a little bit of game sense,” Rowley said on how Cross could have avoided the tackle. 

“I think Lachlan Coote is either jumping in the air and putting his feet up as full-backs do or the catch and drop straight away. 

“I think a bit of game sense, and the point he’s just sin-binned one of the Hull KR players. 

“We’ve got no dramas with it. 

“That’s a learning for Deon and as a group. Obviously it’s not malicious and it’s more Lachlan dropping rather than Deon going in with any intent.”

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