Reds sign halfback prospect
September 6, 2002

The Queensland Reds have secured 19-year-old halfback Josh Valentine from the Warringah club in Sydney.

The former Australian schoolboy will join Ben Wakely and Tim Atkinson in a three-way battle for the Reds' number nine jersey next year.

Former Wallaby coach Rod Macqueen says Valentine is an excellent organiser who reads the game well.

"He's a very busy halfback which I think is important in today's Rugby and has been a very good club man for Warringah," Macqueen said.

Valentine had two seasons with the Australian Schoolboys before playing first grade for Singleton as a 17-year-old flyhalf, outside former Wallaby halfback Steve Merrick.

"That was a great experience, I know everything I learned everything I know about the game from Steve," Valentine said.

Valentine, originally from the Hunter Valley, will play two matches for the New South Wales under-19s in the next few weeks before heading to Brisbane for preseason training in October.

Reds coach Andrew Slack said Valentine's recruitment was a welcome boost to the Reds' halfback stocks.

Tim Atkinson has had his preseason preparation disrupted by the need for elbow surgery, and Valentine's signing means Queensland now has the depth it needs in the position.

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