Salford coach Paul Rowley described defeating Castleford in their season opener was a “dream start”, but is refusing to get carried away.

The Red Devils toughed out a 26-16 win over the Tigers at the Jungle in their first game of the 2022 Super League campaign.

Salford led 20-10 at half-time, and the goal-kicking of new signing Marc Sneyd proved crucial throughout.

Sneyd, who joined the club in the off-season from Hull FC, nailed seven from seven kicks.

Many have predicted the Red Devils to be relegation contenders this year, but Rowley was rightly pleased with the result.

“It was a dream start,” he said.

“We are the underdogs and that’s alright.

“It’s a remarkable achievement for the boys, and not even doing it at our best.

Score, score again straight from the restart 🔥

Burgess 👉 Sneyd 👉 Cross for @SalfordDevils#SuperLeague #BringItOn pic.twitter.com/I76McVzKQ8

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) February 12, 2022

“We were strong and kept chipping away.

“It was toughness and resilience, and that has to be a team effort.”

“It was a collective effort. But we won’t stop jumping on the ‘we’re going to do this, we’re going to do that’ bandwagon.

“We’re just going to continue to work really hard.

“It’s round one and about today and now.”

Rowley praised halfback Sneyd and his calmness under pressure.

“He’s experienced and cool, and he has some great support,” he said.

Ken Sio doing what Ken Sio does! 😎

🪄 The boot of Sneydy putting Cas on the back foot.

💪 #TogetherStronger | 🔴👹 pic.twitter.com/Nnhysq6y4o

— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) February 12, 2022

“When it mattered Sneydy came up with the goods.”

The match was Rowley’s first as a Super League coach, after coaching for many years in the lower leagues with Toronto Wolfpack and Leigh Centurions.

“I’m continuing to enjoy it,” he said.

“It’s good and today was special. I just said to Kurt we’ll remember this day for a long time.

“The first day. It feels like rugby’s back. That rugby league’s back in a big way.”