Mark McLinden a cross-code success, now he needs a game
Mark McLinden a cross-code success, now he needs a game
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegrap...006067,00.html
AS far as code switches go, former Canberra Raiders playmaker Mark McLinden's transition has been rated a howling success by the Queensland Reds.
Now just one test remains - actually playing a rugby game.
Suffice to say Reds coach Phil Mooney will be watching with interest when McLinden makes his professional rugby debut in Queensland's opening pre-season trial against the NSW Waratahs this weekend.
McLinden, 29, will get first crack at the "big shoes" left at fullback by legendary No.15 Chris Latham after being named for the match at Toowoomba, west of Brisbane, on Saturday night.
None of Queensland's six current Wallabies will play, ensuring the local spotlight will shine brightest on their league convert.
Mooney said McLinden had shone at training since arriving from English Super League club Harlequins for the Reds' 2009 Super 14 season.
But Mooney knows only too well that a match situation will provide the best yardstick.
"Mark's done all we have asked of him at training but he really needs to play now," Mooney said on Wednesday.
"We will endeavour to give him as much time in the trials as we can.
