‘We’re not a selling club’ Paul Rowley’s bold stance on Tyler Dupree future

Salford coach Paul Rowley says the club will do everything they can to keep sought-after England international prop Tyler Dupree.

Early last week, the Red Devils confirmed that they had rejected a transfer request from star prop Dupree, who is on contract until the end of 2025.

Dupree’s rise to the top has been nothing short of exceptional, having made the step up to Super League with Salford after plying his trade part-time in the Championship for a couple of years.

The 23-year-old then made his international debut for England last month which has seen his stock rise, with Hull KR and Wigan reportedly interested in him.

There was much made of Dupree’s transfer request on social media last week, but he received a warm welcome from Salford supporters before and after Sunday’s game against Hull at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Dupree enjoyed an impressive performance, scoring Salford’s first try from a powerful carry to help Paul Rowley’s side beat Hull 29-22.

And after the game, Dupree spent some time after the full-time hooter having pictures, signing merchandise and having a chat with the fans.

Asked about the latest with Dupree’s situation post-match, Rowley said: “He trained well, he played well, he’s our player for three years as far as I’m concerned.

“I’m looking forward to carrying on coaching him for the next three years.

“If it is anything to do with me and if it’s a football decision, then it won’t be happening and we’ll look after him and nature him, pay him what he’s worth and that’ll be the door shut.

“Wouldn’t that be a strong message from our club if we could do that? Because this club has been saying for a long time that we are not a selling club, so we need to back that up now.”

The Salford boss was then asked ‘so Dupree is categorically not leaving then?’ To which Rowley replied: “Not if it’s up to me. It won’t be a football decision is what I’m saying.”

It’s a kind of Magic

Next up for Salford is a clash with Hull KR in the first game of Magic Weekend at St James’ Park on Saturday, 1:30pm kick-off.

Hull KR are sat fourth in the Super League table, with Salford in sixth: both level on points with Leigh separating the Robins and Red Devils in fifth.

“There’s a lot being said about Hull KR at the minute and with good reason, they’ve got a good squad,” Rowley said.

“As staff, we identified them as a strong team right at the beginning. They’ve got a healthy squad and clearly got a lot of money, so they are obviously backing up their big investment.

“What they have got is a lot of good rugby players with good rugby sense, (Shaun) Kenny-Dowall, (Jordan) Abdull, (Lachlan) Coote, people like that – they are a very dangerous side who work hard, so its a tough one, that’s for sure.”

Magic Weekend a ‘good occasion’

Rowley added: “Magic is a good occasion. We are first up on the first day and as luck would have it the Manchester clubs (United and City) are in the FA Cup (final) as well… We’ve got some competition there!

“We’re looking forward to it, its a wonderful ground and a wonderful occasion and we are up against some really stern opposition who are flying high.

“It’s part of our journey as well, we’ve been good this year and are in a good spot and have a lot of belief in the camp.

“This will be a different test because Hull KR challenge you all over the field so we’ll have to be better than we was today without being disrespectful to Hull.

“We’ll have to step up to another level, especially seeing as though they’ve got a few days more prep than us and we’ve got a shorter turnaround but won’t be holding that as any reason not to perform on the day. We’ll be ready.”

Salford surpass initial target of £250k in share offer campaign

Salford have surpassed their initial target of £250,000 in their new share offer campaign, which will see them become the first community owned Super League club.

A share enables fans to vote at the AGM and stand for election to join the holding company’s board.

There have been almost 1,000 unique pledges in support and the club have surpassed their initial target six days before the Crowdfunder campaign closes.

Red Devils managing director Paul King said: “Obviously, this is a special moment. Our initial target has been surpassed with time left on the clock, and so firstly can I just say ‘thank you’ to our new owners
and those supporting the campaign’.

“At our event last week, we spoke about what this means for our sport, reaffirmed the club vision, and heard about what this could mean for the immediate community within the City of Salford.

“Having spoken with so many people since, you can really feel the positivity currently emanating from the campaign, and that has translated directly to the rising number over the last week.”

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