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Reds sign ex-pat Harlequin

Friday 15th August 2008

Heading home: Mark McLinden

The Reds have signed highly experienced rugby league player Mark McLinden from Harlequins as they try to fill the void left by the departure of full-back Clinton Schifcofske.

Both former Canberra Raiders players, Schifcofske has taken up a lucrative contract in Ireland with Ulster, whereas McLinden has been given an early release from his UK rugby league club to allow him to return to Australia.

QRU Performance Manager Ben Whitaker said when the Reds heard McLinden was heading home they jumped at the opportunity to sign him on a two year contract, describing him as an outstanding athlete and a seasoned and capable professional who will fill an important role in an exciting Reds squad.

29 year-old McLinden played rugby at school in Canberra before embarking on a decorated seven year professional career with the Canberra Raiders, followed by four seasons with the London Broncos, now playing as the Harlequins.

Whitaker told the QRU Website that when Schifcofske heard the Reds had signed McLinden he gave the decision an emphatic thumbs up.

"Clinton has travelled a similar path and his opinion is one we respect. He was adamant that Mark will be an absolute hit in the game," said Whitaker.

Schifcofske made a smooth transition from the 13-a-side game and was the complete professional in his two seasons with the Reds, something the Reds will also be looking for from McLinden.

"A player like Mark has that experience (and) is able to fit a certain hole in terms of our squad list," commented Whitaker.

"He was the right person for that position that didn't exist off-contract at the moment in rugby in Australia."

Whitaker said the QR Reds were signing McLinden for the professional football experience he can bring to the team at this particular time, following the unexpected retirements of senior players David Croft and John Roe and the departures overseas of Chris Latham and Schifcofske.

"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. He'll be very good for us, we believe," said Whitaker.

Whitaker said McLinden had played mainly full-back for Harlequins after playing half-back and centre for the Raiders in his 165 games there between 1998 and 2004.

"Positionally we've obviously got some ideas about him playing in the back three but there's no reason why he couldn't play elsewhere," Whitaker said.