Former Raiders player Mark McLinden is the latest rugby league player to switch to union after signing a deal with the Reds.
Super 14s side Reds secure another rugby league player
Former Raiders player Mark McLinden is the latest rugby league player to switch to union after signing a two-year deal with the Queensland Reds.
The full-back was released from the final year of his contract with Super League outfit Harlequins RL to return to his native Australia.
And he has opted to replace outgoing full-back Clinton Schifcofske at the Reds, despite his former league side in Canberra being interested in his signature.
Describing him as an outstanding athlete and a seasoned and capable professional, Queensland rugby union performance manager Ben Whitaker said the Reds were keen to snare McLinden when they heard of his home return.
Schifcoske, a league convert and former Raider, had recommended McLinden as his replacement.
"He was adamant that Mark will be an absolute hit in the game," Whitaker said.
"He (McLinden) was the right person for that position that didn't exist off-contract at the moment in rugby in Australia.
"Mark's going to fill a real hole there for us in terms of experience, expertise, great football mind and also a little bit older."
The 29-year-old will return to Australia at the completion of the Super League season. He played a total of 165 matches for the Raiders.
