Salford Red Devils Coach Provides Debut Delight for Academy Product Nathan Connell
Salford Red Devils coach Paul Rowley recently had the pleasure of handing a Super League debut to 21-year-old academy product Nathan Connell. Connell’s journey to the top level has been quite remarkable, showcasing perseverance and a refusal to give up on his dreams.
The fullback/winger has come through Salford’s development academy in recent years while also working in the club’s foundation. Interestingly, Connell had never been part of a scholarship system prior to this season, making his Super League debut earlier this month a true testament to his resilience.
Rowley was delighted to see Connell take the field, coming off the bench for the final 20 minutes of Salford’s 34-4 victory over London Broncos. The coach praised Connell’s eagerness to get involved, highlighting his solid performance in an important position.
“It’s a pathway in which I don’t think there’s a lot of success stories in and around that,” Rowley told Love Rugby League. “Luis Roberts at Leeds is another who has come through that pathway as well, so I think they are few and far between who have taken that route.”
The Salford coach acknowledged that the club’s recently secured Elite Academy Licence from 2025 will provide more opportunities for homegrown talent like Connell to earn their Super League debuts in the years to come.
Connell, who played his junior rugby for Wigan-based community club Shevington Sharks, has also represented Ireland at the Under-19s level. Rowley expressed his delight in being able to reward the young player’s perseverance and believes Connell can serve as a positive role model for aspiring rugby league players.
As Salford Red Devils continue to develop their academy system, the club hopes to see more success stories emerge, providing opportunities for local talent to shine on the Super League stage.
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