McNamara backs Reardon to regain top form

Thursday 21st January 2010

Above: Stuart Reardon

Bradford coach Steve McNamara is tipping Stuart Reardon to reclaim his international jersey after putting an end to a nightmare 18 months.

The 28-year-old missed the entire 2009 season with a troublesome Achilles injury but has begun to resurrect his career in a second stint at his hometown club. Reardon joined Warrington as a full-back in 2006 but caught the eye playing in his old wing position in Bradford's Boxing Day friendly at Castleford, and against Leeds last Sunday he scored his first try since May 2008.

"It's good to see a smile back on Stuart's face," said McNamara. "I do feel he has the potential to get back to his best form and start knocking on the door for international honours in that position."

Reardon had the world at his feet in 2003 when he won the Harry Sunderland Trophy as man of the match in the Bulls' Grand Final win over Wigan, and 12 months later he was leading try-scorer and an ever-present for Great Britain in the Tri-Nations Series.

He then became part of an exodus of players leaving Odsal, joining Warrington four years ago, when his problems began.

After snapping his Achilles tendon in May 2008, Reardon underwent two operations in a bid to solve the problem and had a move to Hull last season cancelled when he failed the medical.

Reardon also endured some well-documented off-field problems last summer when he was given a 12-week suspended jail sentence after admitting assault on his estranged wife.

That did not stop McNamara throwing the player a lifeline, and so far the move looks a shrewd one.

Reardon will get another chance to shine when the Bulls play Dewsbury at the Tetley's Stadium on Friday.

Paul Sykes, Craig Kopczak, Wayne Godwin, Glenn Hall and Mike Worrincy are also included in the Bradford side, but McNamara is holding back high-profile signing Matt Orford for next Thursday's final trial game at Hull KR.