Oz eyes on Alker
TOP Australian club St George Illawarra are poised to swoop for Salford Reds skipper Mal Alker.
The player has stalled over signing an extended three-year deal with the Reds and St George coach Nathan Brown is monitoring the situation.
He has been sounding out several contacts in England over the last 48 hours for their view on a player regarded to be one of the toughest and fittest forwards in Super League.
Brown is very keen on Alker due to his versatility. Not only is he a specialist hooker he can also operate in the back row.
A move to Australia for the former Wigan St Patrick's junior star cannot be ruled out, especially at this stage of this career.
Alker is currently enjoying a testimonial season with the Reds but has asked club bosses for more time to consider the renewed offer.
The chance to play in the NRL will appeal to him and news of interest from St George ironically coincides with a whistle-stop scouting trip to Australia for Reds football director Steve Simms.
Alker is regarded as the game's best uncapped player and Simms is on record claiming Alker's all-action style is ideally suited for the NRL.
But Reds are confident that Alker will stay.
http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk
9. Malcolm Alker (Hooker) D.O.B. 04/11/78
Sponsored by Interbake
Club skipper, Malc is now in his testimonial year at Salford, having joined the club from amateur side Wigan St Pats in 1995. A tireless worker who always leads by example, he was the first player to complete over 1000 tackles in a Super League season. He holds the club record for tries by a hooker in a match (4) and in a season (22), both attained in 2003. Malc has represented England and Lancashire County, carried off all the clubs’ honours at the end of season awards night in 2005 and was voted Super League ‘Hit Man’ of the year 2005.
http://www.reds.co.uk/squad/alker.html
