FORMER SONICS STAR SIGNS FOR SUPER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
Leeds Rhinos snap up former Bristol Rugby League starlet
Amateur rugby league side Bristol Sonics were celebrating last night after one of their former stars signed for Super League Champions Leeds Rhinos.
Centre Michael Coady had played no Rugby League before joining Bristol Sonics in the summer of 2006. Three years later, the former Loughborough University student has signed professional terms with 2008 Super League champions Leeds Rhinos – the first former Sonic to turn professional.
Bristol-born Coady was a revelation in his two seasons with the Sonics, scoring a number of scintillating tries and helping the Patchway-based outfit win their first ever silverware – the 2007 Rugby League Conference Midlands Regional Division title. Sonics' Head Coach Karl Fearnley, who first oversaw Coady's switch to League after a youth spent playing rugby union, said: "We're all absolutely chuffed for Mike. He's a great lad and an excellent player. He always gave 100 per cent for the Sonics and scored some vital tries for us. He's a terrific prospect and deserves his big chance."
Following two interrupted seasons with the Sonics, Coady opted to remain in Loughborough during the summer of 2008 and played a number of games for the Leicester Phoenix. In the autumn of 2008 Coady was given a trial by Cooperative Championship side Doncaster. After a number of impressive performances for the Dons - including a four-try debut in the Northern Rail Cup - Coady has been snapped up by Super League champions Leeds Rhinos. The former Sonic, who also played for England Students at Rugby Union, will remain at Doncaster for the rest of the summer season before linking up with the Rhinos for the 2010 Super League season.
Bristol Sonics Chairman Phil Cole said: "This is a great day for the Sonics. To have one of our former players signed by Leeds Rhinos is unbelievable. We all wish Mike the best of luck and will be keeping an eye out for him when he plays for the Rhinos next season. He's a talented lad, so maybe he can go all the way and become our first full international!"
FOR MORE INFORMATION, INTERVIEWS, IMAGE REQUESTS etc CONTACT:
MATT ANNISS - 07786 393174 / matt.anniss@bristolsonics.com
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Matt Anniss
Media Manager, Bristol Sonics Rugby League
Tel: +44 (0)117 9020436
Mobile: + 44 (0)7786 393174
Email: matt.anniss@bristolsonics.com
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The Gloucestershire Rugby League is an organisation for local rugby league clubs in Gloucestershire. Our main activity currently is to promote rugby league through the County and give useful information about our sport to the public of Gloucestershire.
