Stuart Reardon

One of the real 'finds' in British rugby over the past few years, Reardon enjoyed a rapid rise from Academy to Super League and Test rugby league, adapting with ease to each level he has reached. A strong and speedy three-quarter with fine footwork, he is a quality performer at full back, centre and wing. Turned professional from West Bowling to sign with Bradford Bulls in 2000, he shot to prominence in late 2002 when former Bulls assistant coach Karl Harrison took over as head coach of Salford City Reds and signed Reardon to boost the Reds' fight against relegation. Though the Reds were unable to escape the drop, Reardon was outstanding in his two months at The Willows and earned a call up to the England 'A' tour of Fiji and Tonga, where he worked with Warrington coach Paul Cullen. He returned to the Bulls in 2003 and found a place in the first team after a long-term injury to Michael Withers, making 20 appearances in the title-winning Bulls side including the Grand Final against Wigan. A try, a superb display of defence and relieving runs from full back led to Reardon winning the Harry Sunderland Trophy for man of the match in the Old Trafford showdown. The following year he broke into the Great Britain squad for the Tri Nations Tournament, and bagged four tries in the series. Missed the back end of the 2005 campaign with injury but made the England side at the end of the season.