Reds Swoop for Leuluai

Salford City Reds are delighted to announce the signing of marauding New Zealand Prop, Phillip Leuluai, on a two and a half year contract which will keep him at the club until the end of the 2010 season. Terms were agreed prior to last Friday’s deadline and the club were waiting for the completion of formalities before announcing the signing.

Leuluai started his career with Newtown Jets before making his NRL debut with Cronulla Sharks. Making a sensational start to life in the NRL he went on to win Sharks Rookie of the Year in his debut season (2005) and has been a regular in the first team ever since.

The 30 year old is expected to fly into Manchester early next week and the club are hopeful that he will be available for selection for the crunch game against Hull KR on Friday 3 August. (BUY TICKETS NOW)

Reds’ Head Coach Shaun McRae said, ‘I am delighted to sign Phillip who has been an outstanding player in the NRL over the past couple of seasons. Phillip has the ability to play either front or second row and will be a great asset both in the short term and for the future plans of the Salford City Reds.’

Leuluai is a great acquisition to the team adding steel to the Reds’ pack at a vital stage of the season.

VITAL STATISTICS

NICKNAME: Flip or Phillsuwa
DATE OF BIRTH: 16/07/1977
BIRTHPLACE: Auckland, NZ
HEIGHT: 191cm
WEIGHT: 110kg
POSITION: Back Row
JUNIOR CLUB: Mt Wellington Warriors

Father of two boys Treyvon (11) and Tyler (9) and a member of the famous footballing Leuluai family – most recently Thomas (now with Wigan Warriors) and Kylie (Leeds Rhinos) are his nephews. A late starter who didn’t make his NRL debut until aged 27, winning Sharks’ Rrookie of the Year in the same year (2005).

Fitzpatrick Back for Reds

Reds full back Karl Fitzpatrick will begin his quest to return to full fitness and the first team as he takes to the field tomorrow (Thursday), representing the Salford City Reds Academy Under 21’s as they take on Warrington at The Willows.

Having been out for the season with an Achilles injury, Fitzpatrick had become somewhat frustrated will the long period of recovery and certainly relishes the opportunity to get back on the field of play, commenting, ’It’s going to be great to get the boots back on for the game tomorrow – the last time was the play offs and the game against Bradford last October. I’m really looking forward to the game and hopefully after playing a couple of academy fixtures, I’ll be fit enough to return to the first team.’

Karl will now be hoping to make a return to the first team before the end of the season under new coach Shaun McRae, however the academy team will certainly make the most of the player joining their ranks over the next few weeks.

Junior Academy Coach Alan Hunte commented, ‘It’s a massive boost to the team to have Karl on the side. The team will reap the benefits of playing with an experienced International and first team player and Karl can take the opportunity to bring his fitness up to first team level.’

The Academy game kicks off at 7.30pm on Thursday 26 July at the Willows. Tickets are priced at £4 for adults and £2 for Children and concessions. Access to the game is via the Tavern on Willows Road.

Reds Looking for Big Change

Head Coach Shaun McRae will look to thrust his three new charges straight into the melting pot in Saturday’s game against the Bulls (The Willows, 6pm).

Former Red Mike Wainwright will make his second Salford bow while Tom Saxton and Richie Barnett will both make debuts as the Reds look to repeat last season’s stunning win over the Bulls.

With no sign of the Reds’ injury crisis abating with Mark Edmondson, Ian Sibbitt and Lee Jewiit now set to spend some considerable time on the treatment table it was imperative for McRae to bring some new bodies into the fray.

All three took part in the Reds’ final training session before the big game and the press had turned out to see the new boys in action.

With Barnett he has a speedy winger who is more than capable of finishing from long-range while in Saxton he has snared a highly-promising full-back who was being touted as a potential for GB honours just a couple of seasons back.

Mike Wainwright had three seasons at The Willows and since leaving has been a mainstay of the Warrington pack in recent times. All three bring Super League experience and possible the imeptus for the Reds to pull off another shock in their bid for a place in Super League 2008.

Reds: (from) Wilshere, Ratchford, McGuinness, Moule, Littler, Dorn, Robinson, Coley, Alker, Korkidas, Wainwright, Saxton, Finnigan, Turner, Viane, Haggerty, Brocklehurst, Gower, Barnett, Nash.

Bulls: (from) Morrison, Burgess, McKenna, Newton, Kopczak, McAvoy, Evans, Halley, B. Harris, Langley, Tupou, James, Deacon, Vagana, I. Harris, St Hilaire, Solomona, Platt, Lynch, Henderson.

Ref: Ian Smith (Oldham)

Bomber’s Command

The Reds face Bradford Bulls this weekend in Round 21 of the engage Super League and with only eight games remaining they will be looking to change their current run of luck.

Seven weeks into his role as head coach at Salford Shaun McRae has taken steps to bring new faces into the team and talked to media manager Kate Parkinson about his expectations and disappointments over the coming weeks starting with the game on Saturday. With the Bulls backing up after three big wins the head coach is under no illusions what the Reds are up against this weekend,

‘Bradford have had a tremendous run just recently and are certainly prepared for this game although we do have one advantage in the fact that they play in the Challenge Cup Semi final the week after. However the Bulls will come out fighting and our levels have to improve and this is a challenge the players will have to rise to.’

With the recent changes at the club, including the introduction of Shaun and the departure of Jimmy Lowes to Warrington the head coach has been keen not make sweeping changes since his arrival,

‘I’ve been reluctant to make massive changes with such a short run of the season left but I’ve made changes to the structure of the training week and small changes to the play of the game.’

There has however been three new signings this week, all of them on course to play this weekend.

‘I’m not in the habit of signing players and then not playing them, so all three new signings will be on the field this weekend. Mike Wainwright comes to Salford with a lot of experience under his belt and a very valuable player. Tom is an experienced Super League player and has also been at Hull plus has Challenge Cup experience also. I signed Richie from Gateshead during my time at Hull and he had two great seasons with us. He is a fine athlete does a great job on the wing and at the moment there is a shortage of quality outside backs.’

At a training session this morning (Friday) the team did not need reminding that they are bottom of the Super League table, but seem determined more than ever to work with their coach put the training in and position themselves to win games.

‘Where you are and what is at stake motivates players. We’ve not had a great couple of games – Wakefield was a bad day at the office and with no play for three weeks we possibly lost momemtum. Warrington however is a different story. I thought we would fight back and that did not happen so I was extremely disappointed. We are well aware of the pressures of Super League and I need the players to compose themselves and focus on their roles and responsibilities.’

A conversation between the two coaches at the Halliwell Jones after the game, had Paul Cullen admitting to having his strongest team out this season with several players back from injury. However supporters will feel the Reds’ could have done more and Shaun is very much aware how passionate the Reds’ fans are.

‘In the short time I have been here I understand what the team means to the Salford people and the frustration that comes when your team is not performing, but I ask all the fans to imagine how the team feels. They have feelings and are currently upset with themselves for the position they find themselves in. They are determined to play the best they can turn the situation around and continue to need the support of everyone out there. I have a good bunch of men who are passionate about their game and will strive to do their best on Saturday.’

Current Injuries
Paul Highton / Ian Sibbit – Calf Strain
David Hodgson - Medial Ligament damage
Mark Edmondson – Ankle ligament damage
Lee Jewitt - Broken ankle
Karl Fitzpatrick – Achilles

Big Match Entertainment

Things are going to get a little interesting on Saturdaywhen The Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Recruiting Team return to The Willows to give supporters a first hand look at life in the Army, whilst Reds’ mascot Ignito will take on Bully for the second year of mascot races.
Having put Rhino through his paces last season, Ignito has been in training for the event and half time will see the army set up their pitch length assault course as both mascots race to complete the course dodging soldiers along the way.
The Army vehicles have roll up and supporters can come and talk to the men that matter, about life in the Armed Forces. Head towards the classroom, near the tunnel where the recruitment team will be located before they form a guard of honour as the players emerge onto the arena.

The Army offers a range of grants, bursaries and golden hello schemes for anyone wishing to join who has already received a good standard of education or wants to pursue their education and training through the Army.
For example, if you are interested in staying in education to do A levels, vocational A levels, National Qualifications, a BTEC National Diploma or a degree, the Army offers grants of between £1,000 and £1,500 per year to suitable candidates in a range of subjects.

Major Alan Goodenough commented,

‘Sport in as integral part of Army life, it is important to maintain fitness levels. There any many sporting opportunities available in the Army, from rugby to football, swimming, golf and netball. The Army offers a range of careers, including combat, officer, engineering, logistics, healthcare, administration and finance, further education, specialist careers and IT/communications.

Star Tenor sings for the Reds

Salford City Reds are delighted to announce that Salford Tenor, Jon Christos will perform prior to the match this weekend.

After recent performances at the wedding of Manchester United player, Gary Neville and the Northern Proms in Durham last weekend, Jon returns to his home city this Saturday to perform a rendition of Nessun Dorma to the Salford crowd before kick off.

The appearance will be Jon’s second at The Willows in recent weeks, as he also sang at the anniversary dinner held for club chairman John Wilkinson in June, but tonight will be a bit different and Jon is clearly relishing the opportunity saying, ‘It’s a great life performing all over the world, but as I always maintain there’s no better feeling than singing to your home crowd, and as a life long reds fan and Salfordian I’m chuffed to get on that pitch even if it’s just to sing and not play in the team!’

Fans of Jon can catch up with more of him and his music when he performs on the popular Radio 2 show, ‘Friday Night is Music Night’ to be aired on Friday 10 August.

Reds Complete Triple Signing

Warrington’s Richie Barnett has become the third new Reds’ signing in quick succession. The Warrington speedster joins Head Coach Shaun McRae for the second time in his career after spending time at Hull FC under the Australian.

Director of football Steve Simms told us: “Richie is a quick, strong player who threatens defences when he has the ball. He will provide plenty of options for us in attack and we are delighted to have him on board.”

Simms continued: “We have signed three quality players with a wealth of Super League experience. It was felt after the last two performances that we needed to freshen and strengthen our squad in order to retain our Super League status for 2008.”

The Reds had earlier bolstered their push for Super League continuity with the signings of Warrington’s Mike Wainwright and Castleford’s Tommy Saxton. Wainwright played for Salford for three seasons from 2000 and has been a mainstay of the Wolves pack since moving to his home town side. Saxton meanwhile has been given the chance to play Super League by his club who have agreed to a short term loan deal.

Former Reds star Mike Wainwright has rejoined the Reds as they look to strengthen for the vital end of season run in. The Warrington pack star was told he was surplus to requirements at the Halliwell Jones from next season but has been given permission to finish his Super League career at the Reds.

Director of Football Steve Simms said: “It’s great news for us. Mike is a quality player and has been very influential at Warrington. We’re delighted he has taken the decision to finish his career here at Salford.

24-year-old Saxton meanwhile burst onto the scene with Castleford after being part of the historic England Schoolboys success over the Aussies. He then moved to Hull when Cas were relegated for the first time and has since rejoined the Tigers.

Simms said: “Tommy has joined us on loan and will give us extra options we didn’t have. He is a very skilful footballer and we look forward to seeing what he can do with us.”

Wainwright and Saxton Come In

The Reds have bolstered their push for Super League survival with the signings of Warrington’s Mike Wainwright and Castleford’s Tommy Saxton. Wainwright played for Salford for three seasons from 2000 and has been a mainstay of the Wolves pack since moving to his home town side. Saxton meanwhile has been given the chance to play Super League by his club who have agreed to a short term loan deal.

Former Reds star Mike Wainwright has rejoined the Reds as they look to strengthen for the vital end of season run in. The Warrington pack star was told he was surplus to requirements at the Halliwell Jones from next season but has been given permission to end his Super League career at the Reds.

Director of Football Steve Simms said: “It’s great news for us. Mike is a quality player and has been very influential at Warrington. We’re delighted he has taken the decision to finish his career here at Salford.

24-year-old Saxton meanwhile burst onto the scene with Castleford after being part of the historic Engalnd Schoolboys success over the Aussies. He then moved to Hull when Cas were relagted for the first time and has since rejoined the Tigers.

Simms said: “Tommy has joined us on loan and will give us extra options we didn’t have. He is a very skillful footballer and we look forward to seeing what he can do with us.”

Reds Ready to Bite Wolves

The Reds travel to the Halliwell Jones on Sunday looking for a vital first win of the season against the Wolves. The game has extra spice added with the recent move of Assistant Coach Jimmy Lowes to Warrington but the Reds know there is no time for sentiment as the games are running out.

meanwhile Shaun McRae told the Manchester Evening News that he is in now rush to appoint a second in command.

McRae said: : “We have the staff who can help out. Anyway, I don’t want to fall into the trap of appointing someone simply for the sake of it.

“I will take my time in order to get the right person.”

18 Man Squads:

Wolves: Reardon, Fa’afili, M. Gleeson, Johnson, Grose, Bridge, Briers, Leikvoll, Clarke, Rauhihi, Morley, Westwood, Anderson, Parker, Wood, Sullivan, Bracek, Harrison, Wainwright, Penny

Reds: Wilshere, Ratchford, McGuinness, Moule, Littler, Dorn, Robinson, Coley, Alker, Korkidas, Edmondson, Sibbit, Finnigan, Turner, Viane, Haggerty, Brocklehurst, Gower, Adamson, Berthezene

Reds Team Up With High School to Boost Academy

Salford City Reds are delighted to announce a unique partnership between the club and Phillips Park High School, Whitefield that will see the Reds Academy scholarship run from the pavilion within the school grounds.

Newly appointed Reds Director, Iain Watson form Godliman-Watson Homes, has developed good links with the school and his company has overseen the refurbishment of the pavilion, with a firm belief in investing in the youth of the club, starting with the academy and scholarship players.

Junior Academy Coach, Alan Hunte said, ‘Salford has prided itself on pushing forward academy and scholarship players through the ranks up to the first team and this is a major statement by the club in how important it feels the scholarships and academies are, especially in light of the new RFL regulations. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Iain Watson for his foresight, as this facility is important to the kids and the hopeful first team players of the future will benefit greatly.’

James Lowes Leaves The Willows

Salford City Reds can confirm that Assistant Coach, Jimmy Lowes has left the club after 3 years service with the Reds and will be taking up a coaching position with Warrington Wolves.

Further to the appointment of Shaun McRae as head coach in June, Lowes continued with the club in his capacity as assistant coach, however, he now feels that the time has come for a change of direction.

Speaking of his decision Lowes said, ‘Leaving the club has been an extremely difficult decision to make, but I feel that the time is right.

‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Reds and would like to thank everyone associated with the club and all the fans for their continued support.

After a career spanning many years, former GB International Lowes had become a favourite among Reds Supporters.

Salford City Reds CEO, David Tarry said, ‘James will be as ambitious in his coaching career as he was in his playing career and being overlooked as head coach at Salford City Reds has obviously unsettled him. We wish him well and thank him for his valuable contribution at the club.

Director of Football, Steve Simms would also like to place on record his thanks to James stating that, ‘It will not be long before he is head coach at another club and he has a great future ahead of him.’

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