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Old man Menzies happy

'Old man' Menzies happy in England

02/02/2010 09:03:28 PM

Steve Menzies insists there is no stigma attached to being the oldest player in the English Super League.

The former Kangaroo international has taken over the mantle from fellow Australian Jason Croker, the former Catalans Dragons second rower who hung up his boots at the end of last season at the age of 36.

Menzies is also now 36 but remains one of the fittest players in the competition and the only match he missed for Bradford in 2009 was down to suspected swine flu.

Initially signed by the Bulls on a 12-month contract, the former Manly Sea Eagles stalwart signed a new deal last August and is refusing to rule out further extending his stay in England.

"Every year you play, you think this is going to be your last and it's more and more likely that it is," he said, adding: "If I feel good and Bradford want to keep me, I'd consider it."

"I probably wouldn't want to go anywhere else over here. My family are really happy here."

Menzies, who won 15 caps for Australia and played in the 1995 World Cup final, remains the most prolific try-scoring forward in the history of the NRL with 180 four-pointers in 349 appearances for his beloved Manly.

He maintained his scoring knack in his debut season with the Bulls, finishing second in the try list to winger Semi Tadulala, and the 6ft 3in back rower demonstrated his versatility by starting matches at stand-off and centre.

Menzies' obvious enthusiasm for the game never waned despite Bradford enduring its worst-ever Super League campaign.

"When you get towards the end of your career, you just enjoy playing the game and competing and really appreciate what you do," he said.

"You're pretty lucky to be getting paid to play a sport you'd probably be doing anyway."

The Bulls failed to make the play-offs for the first time in 2009 but, after finishing with five straight wins and bolstering their squad with the capture of Australians Matt Orford, Heath L'Estrange, Brett Kearney and Glenn Hall, Menzies is confident they can restore their pride in 2010.

They kick off their campaign with a West Yorkshire derby at Huddersfield on Friday and Menzies believes a good start is vital for their prospects.

"In the last month and a bit of last season we were playing as good as anyone in the top eight, it was just disappointing the way we started," he said.

"It's pretty important for us to get off to a better start this year and put ourselves definitely in contention for the top eight and see what happens."

"With the way we finished last season and with the players we've bought, I think we can compete against every team we play against."

Menzies is particularly looking forward to linking up with former Manly skipper Orford, who made up his mind to join the Bulls after a recommendation from the veteran forward.

"I don't think it was all down to me," said Menzies.

"I was at the airport setting off on honeymoon when I got a phone call from Matt who I thought had re-signed for Manly."

"I told him I loved it more than I expected in England and the club was great. Living overseas is something unique, the crowds are really close, the rugby is good, the coaching staff are great, come on over!"

"He will bring a fair bit of

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images
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