Houston gets contract extension

Powerful No.8 Leroy Houston has renewed his contract with the Reds until 2011, repaying the faith the Reds have showed in him in the past.

Houston dropped out of the professional game three years ago and was delivering office water bottles in Sydney's CBD and playing park football on the weekends when the Reds offered him the chance to resurrect his career.

Head Coach Phil Mooney said Houston's career had blossomed at the Reds over the past two seasons and he was fast becoming an integral member of the side.

"Leroy definitely has the talent and if he continues to work hard there's no limit to what he can achieve," Mooney said.

"If he can play consistently like he did against the Sharks last weekend, he'll be well on the way."

Houston said the Reds' rugby program and the coaching staff of Mooney, Damon Emtage and Mark Bell were key reasons behind his contract renewal, along with his desire to help his team-mates achieve what he believes they're capable of as a playing group.

"Two years ago the Reds offered me the chance to play professional rugby again and I've enjoyed every minute of it. I know there are some awesome times ahead and I really want to be a part of it," Houston said.

"I'm playing with a really talented group of boys, I'm learning heaps from the coaches and we're playing good footy. There is nowhere else I'd rather be."

The Reds have a bye this weekend ahead of their next home game, against the Chiefs at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, March 28.