The Reds have confirmed their 2009 line-up with the official release of their squad numbers. Richie Myler has been handed the number 7 Shirt and will partner Kiwi International Jeremy Smith who made a try-scoring début in the friendly at Leigh Centurions over the Christmas period. Myler became a rugby league rarity when he represented his country before playing a single Super League game after a stunning National One season in 2008 which he capped with two tries on his international début against Wales.
Head Coach Shaun McRae has also handed new signings Mark Henry and Willie Talau the number three and four shirt and they look set to form an exciting new centre partnership for the Reds. Henry, who arrives in the country on Wednesday, was a noted try scorer in the NRL where he played with other new signing Ray Cashmere for the North Queensland Cowboys while Willie Talau has spent many successful seasons at St Helens.
McRae said: (quote)We have a nice looking balance to the 2009 squad and have brought in some good experienced professional players from the NRL. As with all Super League clubs injuries will play a vital role in any team’s success but we are hoping we can stay healthy and we are certainly not in the competition to make up the numbers.(end quote)
The Reds head to Jacksonville on Sunday for their warm-weather training camp where they will take on the Leeds Rhinos in a special exhibition game before heading back for a friendly against Widnes Vikings on 27 January.
Here is the full 2009 line-up:
1. Karl Fitzpatrick
2. John Wilshere
3. Mark Henry
4. Willie Talau
5. Paul White
6. Jeremy Smith
7. Richard Myler
8. Ray Cashmere
9. Malcolm Alker
10. Craig Stapleton
11. Ian Sibbit
12. Rob Parker
13. Luke Swain
14. Jordan Turner
15. Stuart Littler
16. Phil Leuluai
17. Robbie Paul
18. Lee Jewitt
19. Stefan Ratchford
20. Luke Adamson
21. Andrew Thornley
22. Stephen Nash
23. Adam Sidlow
24. Dean McGilvray
25. Jason Walton
26. Marlon Alker
27. Lewis Palfrey
28. Jack Spencer
