Houston accepts Reds lifeline
Hope he doesn't get homesick....
Houston accepts Reds lifeline
May 01, 2007
QUEENSLAND has thrown a Super 14 lifeline to former New South Wales amd Australia back rower Leroy Houston, signing him on a two-year deal.
Houston, 20, was cut by the Waratahs last year for repeatedly missing training, capping a remarkable fall from grace for the former Wallabies tourist.
But the Reds have reunited the New Zealand-born powerhouse with former Australia coach Eddie Jones, who picked Houston for the 2005 Wallabies tour of Europe after strong performances for Australian Under-19 and Under-21 earlier that year.
The 110kg No.8 said the Jones factor had ensured he knocked back an offer from Super 14 rival Western Force.
”Having Eddie Jones as head coach sealed the deal as he picked me as a teenager to go on a Wallaby tour,” Houston said.
“I'm absolutely delighted to be joining the Queensland Reds for the next two years.”
Queensland Rugby chief executive Ken Freer tipped Houston to regain Wallabies honours next year.
”He's a big, powerful forward and he's highly motivated to succeed with this opportunity,” Freer said.
”We'll be looking after him and giving him every chance to succeed.”
Houston’s decision to sign for the Reds continued a good recruitment run for Queensland, which recently announced two-year deals for Hugh McMeniman and David Croft as well as Force wing Digby Ioane.
AAP
