RUSTY BACK AS A MONARCH

NEWS Tuesday 3rd January 2006, 10:00am

by John Campbell

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Australia's Rusty Harrison will be back in Monarchs colours for 2006.

Agreement was reached with the 24 year old's parent club, Workington, just before New Year and personal terms were quickly agreed with Harrison thereafter.

Speaking from his Adelaide home, Harrison said "I've been keen throughout the closed season to return to the Monarchs after a good season with them last year. My average was a point higher than it's ever been and I'm keen to take that higher yet and I believe that I can do that at Armadale.

"I had a number of approaches from other clubs, including another Scottish club, but I told them all that the Monarchs was the place I wanted to be. Workington made me an offer to replace the injured Carl Stonehewer at Derwent Park but after I turned that down they allowed me to return to the Monarchs.

"I'm absolutely delighted and can't wait to get back to the Uk and Armadale in March."

Monarchs co-promoter Alex Harkess said, "We've had to be patient to get Rusty and thankfully it's all worked out right in the end. With Rusty in place we can now proceed with our efforts to fill the other two places in the main part of the team.

"We have many options available to us for those places and we also have to confirm the other reserve position. We want to examine every opportunity available to us in detail and haven't ruled out anyone from last year's team just yet. We have important decisions to make, not just for next year but also for the years to come."

Harrison joins William Lawson, Derek Sneddon and Matthew Wethers.