by RL: VETERAN AUSSIE COMES OUT OF RETIREMENT
LEAGUE BRITAIN MACKEY
HUDDERSFIELD, England, Feb 6 AFP - Huddersfield coach Darryl Van
de Velde revealed here today he had lured fellow Australian Greg
Mackey out of retirement to play in the first division this summer.
Mackey, a 34-year-old halfback, appeared to have ended his
British career when he left Warrington before Christmas to return
to Australia with his family.
But the veteran star, the former Warrington and Hull skipper,
agreed to join Super League hopeful Huddersfield as a player and he
arrives back in Britain early next month.
Van de Velde, who said that Mackey had signed initially for the
first summer season, commented: "He had decided to go home and
retire, but he has accepted the challenge and the package we put
together.
"It's something we been trying to do for about a month -- to
entice him back.
"That was a big job in itself. He had taken his family back home
to Australia but I think the challenge, our plans here and the
stadium were all part and parcel of him joining us.
"He said he's delighted and looking forward to coming back. He
has kept himself very, very fit."
Mackey has been linked with an assistant coach post at the
McAlpine Stadium but Van de Velde insisted: "It's only a playing
role at this stage."
It is unlikely that Warrington, which held Mackey's
registration, will ask Huddersfield for a transfer fee.
"He's a great competitor and is mentally tough which is crucial.
He doesn't miss too many games which is also important when you've
only got a small squad of players," added Van de Velde.
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Juiceman
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