Salford forward suffers suspected broken ankle in defeat, says Paul Rowley

Salford forward Shane Wright has suffered a suspected broken ankle during the 26-12 defeat to St Helens, says head coach Paul Rowley.

Australian back-rower Wright, 27, was helped from the field against St Helens at the Totally Wicked Stadium in the first half, replaced by Tyler Dupree.

The Red Devils raced away for an early 12-0 lead thanks to tries from Brodie Croft and Ryan Brierley in the opening 20, before James Bell crossed for the hosts for a 12-6 score at the break.

Paul Wellens’ St Helens came out a different side in the second half and held their opposition scoreless, turning around the game thanks to tries from Curtis Sironen, Jonny Lomax, Tommy Makinson and Joe Batchelor. 

Meanwhile, England international and Salford hooker Andy Ackers failed a head injury assessment in the second half and will miss the Challenge Cup sixth round tie with Huddersfield next Saturday at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Salford boss confirms Shane Wright injury blow

“Shane Wright has a suspected broken ankle,” Paul Rowley said post-match. 

“That was harsh for us because obviously it impacts all our interchanges. And losing Andy Ackers through a head injury, that’s two subs you don’t account for.

“When you’re getting rolled, the one thing you want is a little bit of energy and Shane Wright certainly brings that to us, so that took a lot out of us and obviously Andy Ackers.”

“And then the incident where Chris Atkin goes off on a green card he gets pummelled in the back, I wasn’t sure about that one. I thought that was a weak refereeing decision.”

Paul Rowley reflects on defeat

Salford’s downfall came in the second 40, failing to register a single point while conceding 20 as St Helens claimed their sixth win of the season in 2023.

Rowley believes his side created chances, but were ultimately their own worst enemy.

“Our disciplinary with the ball was really poor,” Rowley said on his side’s second half performance.

“It was really low percentage rating in terms of completion and it probably came off the back of the physicality that Saints had, they got a roll on and started winning the ruck.

“I felt we left quite a lot of potential tries on the field and made more than enough opportunities. But we weren’t able to execute them in the end.

“It’s disappointing really. Whilst being respectful to Saints and how good they are, I thought for large periods we were the architects of our own downfall in many respects.”

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