ROBBIE Paul, whose name is synonymous with Super League, is looking forward to being "whole again" after helping Salford reclaim their place among the game's elite.

The little New Zealander, who celebrates his 32nd birthday 11 days before the Reds' opening fixture against fellow newcomers Celtic Crusaders, was in at the start of summer rugby league in 1996 with the Bradford Bulls, where he won every honour in the game.

After a two-year stint at Huddersfield, where he made a sixth Challenge Cup final appearance, Paul made the step down to the National League in 2007 with the relegated Reds but he was confident that his absence from Super League would only be temporary.

"I really am excited," he said. "I felt I was a product of Super League and I've got to admit I missed it last year.

"Luckily, we were able to achieve what we wanted to achieve and it will be great to go back out there and feel whole again.

"It seems like we've had a year and a bit of pre-season, taking nothing away from National League One because it was a difficult competition.

"But, once we got the licence, it was about focusing on the future as a team and as an organisation."

Meanwhile, coach Shaun McRae believes his squad is better prepared than the last time they were in the top flight.

"I don't think relegation hurt us last season. It enabled us to develop our younger players physically and emotionally.

"They probably weren't quite ready in 2007."

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