Coach Richard Marshall lauded his on-field leader Kevin Brown after Salford Red Devils finally sealed their first league victory of the season at the fourth attempt.
The 36-year-old former England international, the oldest player in Super League this year, led the way from scrum-half with two tries as the Red Devils recovered from a two-point half-time deficit to beat struggling Leigh 34-8 at the AJ Bell Stadium.
Marshall said of the former Wigan, Huddersfield, Widnes and Warrington player, who joined Salford ahead of last season: “Kev was fantastic for us. I’m really happy for him. He’s had a tough week.
“His dad was poorly at the start of the week but, fingers crossed, he’s doing really well now.
“He showed magnificent leadership and we’re fortunate he’s put his hand up to go around again this year.
“I thought all our leaders, all our key players, really stood up. You learn a lot about yourselves when you lose a few games and we’re really fortunate to have these experienced players.”
It was also Salford’s first Super League win under Marshall’s command, and the former Halifax coach and St Helens assistant coach added: “We’re all in it together. It’s not about me. For the club and the fans, we owed them a performance.
“We’re really pleased. I never wavered or doubted the team. I knew we’d come through.
“It wasn’t fluid and there is a lot of improvement to come, but we had the resilience and toughness needed.”
A downside for Salford was the loss of centre Matt Costello with what Marshall described as a “significant shoulder injury”.
The Red Devils host Castleford Tigers on Friday.
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