Paul Rowley acknowledges the Salford Red Devils’ “worst” performance while serving as coach, praising Wakefield’s “desperate” play.

While Ben Hellewell earned his 250th career appearance, the Red Devils entered the Super League Round 17 match at Belle Vue without key players in their lineup—Ryan Brierley, Brodie Croft, and Andy Ackers.

Liam Kay opened the score in the first three minutes of the game for Wakefield, who were desperate for their second win of the season.

Teammates Will Dagger and the back-from-holiday Reece Lyne would eventually join him on the scoreboard, giving them a 22-0 lead at halftime.

Lee Kershaw scored the team’s lone try in the second forty minutes, and Dagger kicked a further four penalties to seal the victory.

Salford’s only points came through forward Alex Gerrard just beyond the hour mark, converted by Marc Sneyd.

Paul Rowley: “I’m disappointed.”

“We knew that it would be do-or-die for Wakefield,” Rowley said.

“They’re used to this sort of jeopardy, cliff-edge sort of moment. We expected that, and so it was important we had a lot of enthusiasm and energy. So we got out-enthused, they did the basics better than us.

It’s most likely the worst performance I’ve had since taking over.

“It’s difficult following Wigan’s quick turnaround, but I don’t want to minimize a team that performed incredibly well out of desperation.”

“I’m sad; there were enough players there to do a job.”

Salford has now plummeted to sixth place in the Super League standings, two points ahead of Hull KR, after losing their past three games.

Rowley remarked, “We support ourselves every week.”

It is as basic as that: we dislike defeat.

“It’s critical that we work well together; we will get stronger.

“We must maintain our composure. We will undoubtedly not stray from our convictions.