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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
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Don't go getting "bitter" now, BurgsOriginally Posted by Burgs
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I am glad to hear that he is back in the rugby fold. This boy has immense talent. He only has to get his head right. That might not be so easy. I hope he makes it.
Originally Posted by shasta
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Was more the individual than the syndrome but it had to be said![]()
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Aw good for him, he's a great telant and hopefully his maturity has improved to the point where he can put personal issues aside. I'm just happy he's been given another chance.
Plus he'll have fellow walkabout Andrew Walker there to guide him.
the reds enjoy "giving lifelines" to people, bet they pick up Wendell Sailor when he's available after his drug indescretions as well.
This would have to be one of the more unfortunate photos of any Australian player however the media (and now me) keep trotting it out for Houston.
So, caption artists, do your best
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Don't tackle me or I'll cry....I wanna play for the Reds
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
"Oh pleeth, pleeth, nasty looking man, pleeth don't hurt me"
"My Waratah will protect me, oh damn, I dropped it..."
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Awww no... Very bad timing on that photo....
Ah well, he plays for the reds now.
"Be gentle and say my name."