High hopes for Magpies recruit

New Recruit Dan Randall, centre, in the thick of action.

The Daily Examiner

BIG things are expected of Dan Randall.

Two seasons ago the mercurial centre played only four games for the Lower Clarence Magpies in the NRRRL before a season-ending groin injury drew his time at the club to a close.

Those handful of games were more than enough for Magpies president Garry Anderson to label the former club junior the 'standout centre of the competition'.

It is a tag the 20-year-old will have to live up to with the club announcing his return to the Magpies nest for the remainder of the season.

“It's very exciting news for the club,” Anderson said.

“Dan is probably the best prospect to make the jump from bush league into the NRL.

“He played for the Roosters and could be playing for the Titans.”

However, Randall's first game back is set to be a baptism of fire with local rivals, the Grafton Ghosts, itching to retain the Terry Randall Trophy at the Yamba Sports Complex on Sunday.

Randall said he was looking forward to playing his part in the Clarence Valley match-up.

“It should be a really good game,” he said.

“We're going pretty well, but we'll need to make a big step-up against them.”

Having played for the Sydney Roosters and currently signed with the Ipswich Jets on a two-year deal, Randall brings speed, strength and a wealth of experience to the table-topping Magpies.

“He is one committed and focused kid ... it is all about league with him,” Anderson said.

“He is a very strong young kid, very strong on his feet.

“And even though he is young, he brings a lot of experience to the squad.”

Randall was a little more tight-lipped about his on-field abilities, preferring to slip back into a squad packed with familiar faces, including older brother Mikey Randall.

“Dallas gave me a call and said the Magpies were doing well and would I like to come down and join them,” Randall said.

“He told me Mikey is on fire and it's great to play with him when he is on fire.”

Randall said he hoped he could help the Magpies take its winning formula all the way to the grand final before returning to the Ipswich Jets at the end of the season.