Robbie signs Reds deal

Super League veteran vows to lead Salford back into the big time.

Last updated: 28th September 2007  

Robbie signs Reds deal

Paul: Joining Salford

The desire to bash people and be bashed is burning stronger than ever.

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Super League stalwart Robbie Paul has signed a two-year deal with relegated Salford, and has vowed to help them bounce back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

Paul's contract with Huddersfield ended as the Giants were knocked out of the play-offs by Hull last week, although he was offered a non-playing role at the club.

However, the 31-year-old, just one of a handful of players to have figured in all 12 Super League seasons, is still keen to prolong his playing career and has shown he still has the appetite for a battle by agreeing to play in National League One with relegated Salford next year.

The former New Zealand international will play under coach Shaun McRae at The Willows next season and is looking to help the club secure an immediate return to Super League.

"I could have retired happily but I still have a hunger and passion for this game," said Paul at a press conference at Manchester's Trafford Centre.

"The desire to bash people and be bashed is burning stronger than ever."

Other offers

Paul had been linked with moves to National League clubs Doncaster and Celtic Crusaders but insisted he had not received an offer from Catalans Dragons, who are looking to replace Stacey Jones, and flatly refused to consider a move to rugby union.

Salford have handed club captain Malcolm Alker a new three-year contract and McRae insists they will soon be on the up, with the club also hoping to move into a state-of-the-art stadium in 2010 and confident of securing a Super League license for 2009.

The former Bradford Bulls man is still a legend at Odsal after his decade with the club, and Paul is now looking to play a part in Salford's revival.

"It wasn't a big decision," said Paul. "This club has an exciting future and I want to be part of it.

"There were a couple of other offers on the table but none that were right for me.

"I have always been part of a growing institution. The Bulls came from nothing and I like to think I've spent the last two years helping build some solid foundations at Huddersfield.

"I want to help return this club to its former glory."

Ambitions

McRae, who succeeded Karl Harrison as Salford coach in June, has four years left on his contract and says signing Paul shows the club's ambitions.

"This is a statement of intent," McRae said.

"Robbie shares the vision and the dream of this club, not just for next season but for where this club wants to be beyond 2008."

In addition to the long-serving Alker, Salford have retained the services of Karl Fitzpatrick and Player of the Year John Wilshere, while McRae confirmed Cronulla prop Craig Stapleton would arrive for pre-season training in November to take up the club's overseas quota spot.