SIMON Phillips has become the latest player to join Bears as they step up preparations for their first ever season in the professional ranks.
Brisbane-born Phillips joins from Australian Intrust Super Cup side Norths Devils and will join the Bears in the Kingstone Press League One in 2015.
The 30-year-old has a wealth of experience having previously played for North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL as well as amassing over 200 Queensland Cup appearances for Wynnum Seagulls and most recently Norths Devils.
“I’m very excited about pulling on a jersey for the Bears, as my wife is from Coventry so I feel it’s my second home.” said Phillips.
“So far every dealing I’ve had with the club has been nothing but professional, so from this I’m sure we will be professional on the park.
“The future of this club is very bright and I’m looking forward to big things and taking some silverware home in 2015.”
Earmarked from an early age as a player of the future, Phillips was only in his second year out of school when he made his NRL debut.
And despite breaking his ankle in 2003, he was back at his try-scoring best scoring the most tries in the QLD Cup two years later in 2005.
Phillips made the decision to retire from football at 26 to start his family and pursue business interests, but after three years away from the game he returned to action with Norths Devils in Brisbane.
He will arrive in the UK over Christmas before linking with his new Coventry team mates in the new year.
“When the opportunity to sign Simon arose, it was a no-brainer for us to have him involved with our club.” added Bears head coach Tom Tsang.
“He is a hugely experienced campaigner and can play a number of positions so I’m sure he will prove to be a fantastic addition to the squad.
“We’re really looking forward to him and his family arriving in Coventry and having him integrate into the team.
“We will look for him to add quality to our sessions and help bring on the younger players with his experience.”
