ROWLEY GOOD NEWS
Dudson hails Devils coach’s call
GIL DUDSON only realised Salford boss Paul Rowley could be leaving following a chance conversation with his father-in-law.
However, thankfully for Red Devils fans, their highly-rated head coach turned down a bumper offer from Super League rivals Hull this week.
Salford released a statement on Tuesday confirming Rowley (inset) is staying put, so he is in charge as normal for this afternoon’s visit by Warrington.
Wales prop Dudson said: “I didn’t really know about any of it until Tuesday.
“I was trying to get hold of a couple of staff and couldn’t get hold of anyone. And then it was my father-in-law who told me it was all going off with Hull FC.
“But it’s been put to bed now, so that’s great news for the club.
“Rowls is a top, top coach. It’d have been a shame to see him leave.”
Rowley, 49, brought Dudson back to Salford last month on a season-long loan deal from Wolves.
Dudson added: “I worked with him when I was at Salford last time (2019-20) when he was here in a consultancy role.
“I got on great with him then. He’s got the head job this time, which is a little different.
“But what you see and what you get with him is just dead straight.
“He demands an awful lot from you but you know exactly where you stand.
“There’s no ambiguity with him, which is a rarity these days.”
Salford have picked up five victories from their opening eight Super League games.
But they face a Warrington side who have lost just once in their last nine outings.
Ex-Wigan, Widnes and Catalans front-row Dudson faces them for the first time since being allowed to leave.
He said: “There’s no animosity from my end with the club.
“Things happen.
I’ve moved across to Salford and I’m really enjoying my rugby.
“I’ve some really good friends at Warrington and still speak to the boys weekly. I wish them every success.
“But, of course, I want a big game. When it’s a former club, there’s always that little extra. Fortunately, or unfortunately, for me I’ve had quite a few clubs, so it’s every other week I come up against one!”
GARETH ELLIS has made a sensational return to Hull – just seven months after being axed by Tony Smith.
The club legend, 42, is back in their performance department, appointed by new director of rugby Richie Myler.