MALCOLM ALKER was yesterday re-instated as Salford City Reds captain ahead of tonight’s trip to St Helens.
Only six weeks after being stripped of the captaincy by the board of directors following incidents on the club’s pre-season training camp in Florida, the 30-year-old hooker has been restored to the position by coach Shaun McRae.
The move follows a run of three successive defeats in which the Reds have conceded 129 points.
McRae, who intervened personally on Alker’s behalf, said: “Having spoken at length to Malcolm, it was clear that lessons have been learned.
“He is deserving of this second chance. I have little doubt about that and I can see in his eyes that he will not let us down.
“I am very pleased we have managed to resolve this and we can now get back to business with no distractions.”
Former Bradford and Warrington forward Rob Parker, who was appointed as Alker’s successor, will step aside but retain the position of club captain. Alker, a one-club man who admitted he was deeply hurt by the loss of the captaincy, said: “I’m delighted.
“It was a horrible feeling to lose the captaincy and I hope no one has any concerns about how much it means to me.
“I would like to thank the coach and board of directors for the confidence and trust they are once again placing in me and I realise the importance of putting this behind us, starting today.
“It is my job to rally the troops and make them understand we are much better than our recent results indicate and I relish the opportunity to do so with authority once again.
“We have a massive task ahead of us but I know that, if we just concentrate on doing our jobs, that we are more than good enough for Super League.”
Salford have completed their investigations into alleged breaches of a late-night curfew in Jacksonville. Chairman John Wilkinson said: “Malcolm has handled himself with a great deal of dignity and always kept the club’s best interests in mind throughout this unfortunate situation, even when it was hurting him personally.
“His conduct throughout the enquiry has gone a long way in enabling us to make this decision.”
For Saints, prop Tony Puletua (groin) misses his first game for the club, Lee Gilmour is sidelined with a facial injury and Maurie Fa’asavalu is suspended.
Coach Mick Potter is able to recall loose forward Chris Flannery and has called up 20-year-old reserve prop Jake Emmitt.
Salford’s goal-kicking winger John Wilshere (knee) is ruled out and with Willie Talau, Paul White and Dean McGilvray still on the sidelines, coach Shaun McRae has called 20-year-old winger Andrew Thornley into his squad.
The Reds are still without scrum-half Richie Myler, who has a hand injury, but second rower Ian Sibbit and winger Mark Henry are set to return.
