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Joel Reddy to learn from Sheens

By Nathan Ryan
21 November 2011 11:19AM EST

JOEL Reddy is ready, willing and able to restart his career under the guidance of Australian coach Tim Sheens and stake his claim for a starting spot at the Wests Tigers following an injury ravaged 2011.

After seven years with Parramatta, Reddy is looking for longevity in the game of rugby league and hoping a change of scenery will compliment his wishes.

“I really enjoyed my time at Parramatta but I think I can extend my career under Tim Sheens,” Reddy said.

“I’ve still got a lot to learn and he’s a very smart coach.

“It’s going to be good to have an experienced coach, I think that sort of suits my style a bit more.

“The skill levels very high here and that suits how I play so I’m looking forward to playing that style of footy.”

With Reddy’s steel in defence a major drawcard for the Tigers, Reddy says he is prepared to take on whatever role the team needs in order to make the side.

“I enjoy my defence so I think that was one thing Tim was looking at when he bought me,” he said.

“I’m ready to do the hard work, the tough stuff and leave the fancy stuff to Benji (Marshall).”

He made his City Origin debut in 2010, but the year ended on a sour note for Reddy - requiring a shoulder reconstruction - while this season he missed almost the entire year through a pectoral injury.

Penning a two-year deal with the Wests Tigers, Reddy is making like his last name and prepared to attack the new year after completing all of his rehabilitation.

While down about his injury he kept motivated with the allure of playing alongside Marshall and Robbie Farah all the motivation he needed.

“It was pretty tough but when the Tigers came knocking I knew they were a really good club,” he said.

“It’s a very good team they’ve got here. I can’t just walk into the team and its going to be a tough grind getting in there.

“Some of the players they’ve got here I’ll definitely learn a lot (from).

“At the moment I’m just focused on learning as much as I can and getting as fit and strong as I can before Christmas and then the footy side will come into it.”

While Reddy has become accustomed with the centres, Blake Ayshford and Chris Lawrence have all but secured their spots in the side for next season.

The 26-year-old says he is willing to play wherever Sheens needs him - fullback, winger, back row or centre.

“It really doesn’t bother me,” Reddy said after naming the positions.

“I just want to be a part of the team, in the 17 somewhere and I’d be happy with that.”

Fullback looms as the most likely option for Reddy with Wade McKinnon bound for England and Tim Moltzen likely to move into the halves to replace Robert Lui.

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