SAM Stone is making a big noise at Salford after being a ‘quiet achiever’ – just do not call him a leader.
The Red Devils’ back rower has been arguably their most impressive performer in recent weeks, notably when they ended a run of seven straight losses at Huddersfield.
And boss Paul Rowley believes the 26-year-old is producing on the pitch what he has shown in meetings – but he is not a leader, officially.
He said: “In his last two games in particular, Sam’s really stepped up.
“First and foremost, he’s a good lad. Secondly, he’s very astute in terms of his rugby knowledge after coming from a rugby background with his dad being an elite coach for many years.
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“We don’t have a leadership group. I don’t tend to go down that route and pigeonhole people but he’s a quiet achiever.
“He’s very intelligent and if you want to talk detail, he’s very aware of what he needs to do, what he may have done and what he may not have done.”
Now Salford have ended a run of losses, Rowley’s men face bottom club Wakefield but a 32-6 defeat and a 14-13 win have showed the coach Trinity cannot be taken lightly.
Rowley added: “From past experience, we’ve been well beaten by them and we’ve beaten them by one point, it would be foolish to disrespect Wakefield. It’s one thing we won’t be doing.
“They’ll be very, very motivated because of the predicament they find themselves in – we’re desperate as well.”
