Harris makes Reardon his first signing
Crusaders have signed Great Britain winger Stuart Reardon on a one-year-contract from Bradford Bulls.
Reardon, 29, is Iestyn Harris‘s first signing as Crusaders head coach and he will link up with his former Bulls team mate at the Racecourse Ground for the 2011 Engage Super League season.
Stuart Reardon was a product of the Bradford academy, rising through the ranks before signing with Salford in 2002. His impressive form earned him a call up to the England ‘A’ squad, as well as a move back to Odsal in 2003.
In a three season spell with the Bulls, he won two Grand Finals and a Challenge Cup Final and as well winning the Harry Sutherland award for Man-of-Match during the 2003 Grand Final victory over Wigan Warriors.
The following year he broke into the Great Britain squad for the Tri Nations series, and scored four tries in the tournament. He has also toured Australia and New Zealand with England.
Reardon also enjoyed spells with Warrington and Hull FC before re-signing with Bradford in 2010. He has made 144 Super League appearances, scoring 51 tries.
New Crusaders head coach Iestyn Harris is thrilled to have his former tem-mate in Wrexham.
Harris said: Stuart is a great professional and brings real quality to the Crusaders squad. He’s one of the best kick returners in Super League and his versatility means he can play in a number of positions for us. Stuart’s played at the highest level for many years, he’s won every major honour in Super League and represented Great Britain which shows the kind of quality player he is.
“I’ve played alongside Stuart and I know what a committed and talented player he can be. He is just the type of player you want playing alongside you and I’m delighted that he’s joining us here in Wrexham. He adds strength to our backline and his arrival will provide extra competition for places.”
Crusaders chairman Ian Roberts added: “We’re delighted to sign Stuart for the 2011 Engage Super League season. His record speaks for itself but what has impressed me about Stuart was his desire to join the Crusaders. He brings a wealth of experience to the team and feels he still has a lot to offer. Stuart shares our ambition here at the club and he will be an important part of the squad for 2011.”
And Reardon himself cannot wait for the Super League season to get started.
He said: “I’m looking forward to playing at the Racecourse Ground next year and the opportunity to link up with Iestyn was too good to turn down. The Crusaders did brilliantly last season and I believe the club can do even better next year. This is a club that is going places and I can’t wait to start pre-season training.”