SALFORD'S Steve Simms has set himself a double mission.

The Reds' football director, currently scouting for players in Australia, is determined to keep influential skipper Mal Alker at the club - and bring in long-term target Adrian Morley to join him.

Top NRL outfit, St George, have confirmed their interest in Alker and Simms is working hard to make sure his prize asset is not tempted away from the Willows.

And he has scheduled a meeting with Morley and his representative while he is Down Under, with the intention of offering the Salford-born Great Britain star the chance to return home when his contract with Sydney City Roosters is up.

"I've found out that Mal is definitely among a number of players attracting interest in Australia," said Simms. "We naturally want him to stay."

Interest

Morley will attract interest across Super League when he finally calls time on his Aussie adventure and Simms added: "Adrian has said he is still keen to finish his career in England and he knows we will do everything we can to bring him to Salford should an opportunity arise. He's a Salford lad and he knows what we are all about and we'll definitely be in there for him.

"Ths is proving to be a good trip because in previous years I've met with agents and they've seen a Reds team fighting to stay up.

"Things have since changed, people can now see that Salford are on the up." Morley, meanwhile, has been granted Australian residency but won't turn his back on Great Britain."

The 28-year-old, who continued to play for the Lions after joining Sydney Roosters five years ago, wants to set up permanent home in Australia.

New South Wales legends Steve Roach and David Gillespie have urged the Australian Rugby League to grant Morley special dispensation to allow him to play in the famous State of Origin Series. But Morley said: "If I wanted to play, it would mean I have to quit playing for my country and I would never do that."

Meanwhile, HULL have named Aussie Peter Sharp, currently Parramatta assistant, as their new head coach.

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