Published Thursday 7 April 2016

THE Port Douglas Reef Raiders have signed English prop Gabe Rudge-Williams on the eve of the Far North Queensland Rugby season.

Rudge-Williams, an imposing 125-kilogram prop, has just arrived to Port Douglas from Sydney after noticing a Facebook advert by the Reef Raiders and will add considerable strength to the line-up.

Reef Raiders president Don Murday said the signing was a welcome boost ahead of their first round clash with reigning premier Northern beaches Mudcrabs in Smithfield this Saturday.

“We’re very excited to have Gabe on board, he’s a big boy and will be an asset for us,” Murday said.

“He’s around 6’4” and 120 kilogram so he’s going to be a good-sized prop. He’s been playing and living in France since he was 12 years old and after finding him some work we’ve managed to get him up here.”

Murday said the team was slowing coming together under first year coach Steve Page, who has instilled a strong training ethos in his short time at the helm.

The Reef Raiders are hoping to bounce back after a disappointing season last year that saw them struggle after winning the premiership in 2014.

“Things are starting to build and we’ve still got a few more recruits coming as well,” Murday said.

“People don’t start coming to town until after Easter and It’s amazing who starts to rock up at training from now on.

“We’ve got South African brothers coming down from the Dimbulah tablelands soon, so as usual we’ll have people from all different nationalities playing for us which is great. We rely on transient workers but we’ve also got plenty if juniors coming through now.”

Page, who is a FNQ Rugby development officer, is a loose forward and has impressed since taking the reigns as coach.
 
“The boys have really responded to his coaching, he’s got a good basic game plan and doesn’t over-complicate things,” Murday said.

“There is a much better training culture at the club which augurs well for the year.”

FNQ Rugby - ROUND 1:
Saturday 9 April - 4pm
Northern Beaches Mudcrabs v Port Douglas Reef Raiders
Ivanhoes Rugby League Club, Smithfield