BEING fired up comes with the territory when your name is Coley!

Big Andy Coley has never looked back since signing for Salford from Reds' arch derby rivals Swinton Lions.

He is among an elite band of players to have worn both the blue and the red, and is also a hot property in the Super League cauldron.

Pundits know he also has the pace and power to play a starring role in guaranteeing Reds' Super League survival.

With the heat about to be turned up in the scramble for survival, Coley is ready for what lies ahead.

He told M.E.N. Sport: "There is a real togetherness about the Salford squad. We have also got plenty of skill and the squad has been strengthened."

Coley was a key figure last season in taking Salford back into Super League. He admits his return to the top flight has been an eye-opener.

Andy added: "Some of the lads spent only a season in the National League but it's amazing just how Super League has improved in this time."

Passing on experience

Reds coach Karl Harrison, himself a top-class forward, has been a key role in developing Coley's skills.

He predicts big things for the strapping six-footer, who was first spotted playing in his home town Warrington for junior club Laporte Diamonds.

Coley is a qualified quantity surveyor but his heart was always fixed on playing full-time Rugby League.

He was delighted when Salford gave him his big break and is a class act, according to Tony Barrow, the former Swinton coach and chief executive, who quickly spotted the pack ace's all-round strength.

Tony recalled: "Coley quickly caught my eye because he has all the attributes you look for in the modern-day player.

"He was some signing for Salford. I don't think they realised at first just what a talent he was and the best is yet to come from Andy.

"I'm sure we're going to hear a great deal more about him. He's a smashing lad, very talented and can cause so many problems with his size and his speed."

Harrison has worked hard with Coley, knowing he has the potential to go on to bigger and better things.

The emergence at Bradford of Stuart Fielden as one of the world's best forwards has seen Harrison contributing to his development.

The Reds boss has also pointed Coley in that direction.

"Karl is a fine coach, he has helped me develop more game knowledge and helped with other aspects of my game," Coley said.

"I'm enjoying my rugby. This is a smashing Salford squad to be part of. I don't mind playing prop or back row. I like to keep my options open when it comes to positions, but the most important thing is for us as a team to go well for the remainder of the season."

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