NEW Aussie signing Ray Cashmere is set to make his debut for the Salford City Reds in tomorrow's pre-season friendly with Leigh Centurions.

The game will be the first competitive match to be played at the Centurions' new home ground - Leigh Sports Village.

Cashmere has settled in well at Salford and is tipped to do well by Ian Millward who coached him last season at the North Queensland Cairn Boys.

Millward believes Cashmere's hardworking style and no-nonsense approach is ideally suited for the demands of Super League.

Millward told MEN Sport: "Cashmere is one of those players you always want in your team. He's a grafter, he has an excellent work and training ethic and he was the model of consistency for the Cairn Boys.

"I rate him, he's one of those players who will do a job and he is always prepared to take the ball up and to make the yards.

"When he had the chance to play Super League I told him to go for it and I'm sure he will make his mark with the City Reds.

"Ray is one of those players who is respected by his team-mates and rivals. He's a strong forward, he has a good offload and he will take the game to the opposition."

Cashmere says it has always been an ambition of his to play in England.

"This is a good challenge for me, it's one I'm looking forward to and I believe my game is suited to the English style of play," he said. "I came over early because I wanted to settle in, find my feet and know what was needed in readiness for the season and to get a good pre-season's preparation and training in with my new team-mates."

Reds forward Luke Adamson says he and his team-mates are keen for a good workout against Leigh in readiness for the season ahead.

Heroics

Adamson says: "It will be good play before we head off to Jacksonville in January when we will also be playing Leeds.

"I have been speaking with Ray and I know he and a few of the other lads who have come in are keen to see just what it's like over here."

Shaun McRae's squad is also likely to include Stuart Littler and Karl Fitzpatrick who are back fresh from their heroics with Ireland at the World Cup in Australia.

Skipper Mal Alker believes the experience will have given both players a huge boost.

"Stuart and Fitzy are two top players, but I've seen since they came back they have really been buoyed by their experiences with Ireland," he said.

Alker is predicting a big season ahead for Craig Stapleton, who was outstanding for the City Reds last year.

"Staple is a very good forward," said Alker."His game is ideal for Super League."