Graham Lowe: Salford City Reds aim high with recruitment

[josie andrews]

Graham Lowe is keen to recruit some of the best players in world rugby in his new role with Salford City Reds.

Former Wigan coach Lowe, 66, has been brought in by new owner Dr Marwan Koukash as football director.

Salford, who clinched their first Super League win on Sunday, have been linked with moves for England trio Rangi Chase, Adrian Morley and Sam Tomkins.

"Any club would actively be looking to recruit good players if they can. We're no different," said Lowe.

He told BBC Radio Manchester: "I want to play some part, for our fans, in making sure we deliver the best possible players that are playing the game, wherever they may be."

Approaches for Warrington captain Morley and Castleford stand-off Chase were rejected, while Koukash made public his bid to sign Wigan full-back and reigning Man of Steel Tomkins following the 38-34 success against Hull KR on Sunday.

That game provided the first opportunity for Lowe to watch Salford in person, having seen their first three matches of the season on television, and the Kiwi is determined to make his mark at the Salford City Stadium.

"I have a vision that's shared by Marwan," he added.
"We've got to protect Salford's history, but we've also got to lift our own expectations and be a club that's actively trying to recruit the very best players we can possibly get."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/21577662?

[Kittwazzer]

Didn't realise he was there. What's he been up to for the last 30 years?

[josie andrews]

Didn't realise he was there. What's he been up to for the last 30 years?

I nearly didn't recognise him on Sunday, he hasn't any hair now!

[cpwigan]

Fighting for his life in recent years, CEO of Manly, coach of Manly.

[Kittwazzer]

Fighting for his life in recent years, CEO of Manly, coach of Manly.

I heard he had open heart surgery not long after he left Wigan!

[cpwigan]

Fighting for his life in recent years, CEO of Manly, coach of Manly.

I heard he had open heart surgery not long after he left Wigan!

http://www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=39254

[Kittwazzer]

Fighting for his life in recent years, CEO of Manly, coach of Manly.

I heard he had open heart surgery not long after he left Wigan!

http://www.rleague.com/content/article.php?id=39254

Can't understand why he'd come over here to take the Salford job. Hardly likely to improve his health!

[josie andrews]

Salford offer three-year deal to Australian ace Luke O’Dwyer

Salford bosses will today discover if Australian star Luke O’Dwyer has accepted their offer of a lucrative three-year contract.

Reds have been tracking the Gold Coast Titans ace and O’Dwyer, 30, is currently discussing the proposed deal with his management team.

Signing a player of O’Dwyer’s stature from the NRL would be a fantastic coup for the club according to new chief executive Ed Farish.

O’Dwyer plays centre and also operate as a back-rower and Farish said: “Luke is a total professional with a great reputation within the Australian game. He is a proven leader, a potential skipper and so influential. He is one of the best around and he would be a terrific signing for us.

“He has shown an interest in playing Super League and is a player with a very good attitude.

“Luke has been a great servant to the Titans but they have plenty of cover in the back row and he is now only getting yearly deals. We have offered him a very good three-year deal and want him here this season.

“He is a player who has proved himself at the highest level and he would bring so much to Salford right row.’’

Meanwhile, Reds – who have missed out in audacious bids to bring in Super League stars Adrian Morley from Warrington and Wigan’s Sam Tomkins – have been boosted by the news that the Manly Sea Eagles duo of Vic Mauro and Liam Foran will arrive in time for Friday’s home game with London Broncos. Farish feels they will provide the squad with a much-needed boost.

“They come from a very good culture at Manly,’’ he said. “Vic is a hard-working forward.

“He has a high tackle rate and is very experienced. He is a very workmanlike forward.

“Liam’s strength is his ability to organise. He is a very clever and talented footballer who is ideally suited for Super League.

“The pair of them will give us a real lift.’’

Salford owner Marwan Koukash has spoken with Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan following his bid for Tomkins.

Lenagan praised Koukash for his determination to turn Salford into a major force but made it clear to the ambitious Reds’ boss that Tomkins is not for sale to anyone.

The player himself, who is contracted to Wigan until 2016, has welcomed Koukash’s bold plans to transform Salford, but insists he will not be part of them.

“When it got mentioned, I was as surprised as anyone,” Tomkins said. “The new owner has come in at Salford and wants to make big changes and wants to bring players in. I think he’s shown his intent. His ambition is great and it’s what the sport needs.

“But I’m happy where I am. I’m not thinking about playing for anyone else.”

Salford prop Lee Jewitt, meanwhile, will miss his side’s home game against the Broncos after being banned for one match along with Hull KR front rower Adam Walker for fighting in Sunday’s game at the Salford City Stadium.

WIGAN’S Lee Mossop is sidelined for three months with a dislocated shoulder, joining Harrison Hansen on the sidelines. Rangi Chase, who has been a target for Salford, will return for Castleford in Sunday’s clash with the Warriors.

WIDNES’ Alex Gerrard has signed a new two-year contract.

Stand-off Kevin Brown, meanwhile, will make his Vikings debut against Hull on Saturday.

Ian Watson will remain in charge of Swinton while the search for Steve McCormack’s successor continues.

ROCHDALE will have Wayne English and Paul Crook back for their opening Northern Rail Cup clash with Gateshead on Sunday.

Oldham, who are in the same group as Rochdale, start their campaign away at North Wales.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/ ... n-1447163?