McAvoy rejoins Reds

Nathan McAvoy
By Jason Harris (filed: 5/5/04)
May 6 2004

Nathan McAvoy has returned to his rugby league roots by rejoining Super League outfit Salford, the club with which he began his professional rugby career, following his release from Saracens last month.

McAvoy's new deal will see him stay with the Reds until the end of 2005 and he is likely to reform a long-standing partnership with Scott Naylor who also played with him at Bradford Bulls.

Salford's Football Director Steve Simms told the Reds' official web site: "Nathan is a great athlete. He's big and strong and he can break through the line. He'll bring us a bit of solidarity to the backline."

McAvoy, released by Sarries last month after playing just eight games in an injury-plagued 14-month stay, said "Things have really changed at Salford, like the new training ground and everything but it's great to be back. I've got a lot more experience from my time at Bradford and in Union so I hope I'll be able to help Salford maintain their place in Super League."

Both Simms and McAvoy are aware that the player is short of match fitness after being out of action for nearly six months and McAvoy admitted that the toughest hurdle he will face is claming a spot in the Reds' starting lineup.

"My biggest challenge will be to secure my place in the team." he said. "It's never easy going to a new club but this is Super League so it's especially tough. I've a bit of work to do to get to to the fitness standard but I hope to be at Super League level soon."

Meanwhile back in Southgate Sarries confirmed their 13th departure on Wednesday when it was announced that back row forward Ryan Peacey would be leaving the club after failing to agree terms on a new contract.

However, one Sarries departee found a new home this week as Scotland international hooker Robbie Russell signed a contarct with Zurich Premership side London Irish.

Anticipation is still high amongst the Sarries faithful as the club prepares to announce more new players as the saeason draws to a close.

Already on board for the 2004-05 campaign are Alex Sanderson, Kevin Yates, Iain Fullarton, Matt Cairns, Joe Bedford, Andy Kyriacou (All Sale Sharks), Hugh Vyvyan (Newcastle Falcons, Dan Scarbrough (Leeds Tykes) and Nick Lloyd (Rotherham Titans)

Despite losing the chase for Llanelli Scarlets and Wales stand-off Stephen Jones to AS Montferrand and Olly Barkley who has chosen to stay with Bath, the Men in Black are rumoured to be ready to unveil a new number 10 very soon with Northampton Saints' Shane Drahm tipped by certain commentators to be the kicking fly half so sought after by Sarries coaches Rod Kafer and Steve Diamond.