Phil Bailey ran in two tries in his three Test appearances for Australia
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Salford close season signing Phil Bailey has announced his retirement from the game despite not having set foot on the pitch for his new club. The second row forward, 30, joined the Reds on a two-year deal in the winter after spending four seasons with Wigan. But the former Australia Test centre aggravated an Achilles injury sustained with Wigan last June on the eve of this season's opening game with Crusaders. Bailey's younger brother Chris joined Harlequins at the start of this season. And the Salford man's retirement means that they will now miss the chance to play against each other. "We appreciate Phil's honesty," said Salford director of football Steve Simms. "He could have sat around for the next two years picking up his salary but that is not the kind of person he is.
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The Phil Bailey we signed during the close season could have added greatly to our effectiveness this year but it was not to be
Salford director of football Steve Simms
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"The Phil Bailey we signed during the close season could have added greatly to our effectiveness this year but it was not to be and we wish Phil the very best for his future." Bailey added: "Whilst I'm naturally disappointed in having to retire due to injury, I also realise it's part of the game I have played and loved my whole life. "I wish the entire Salford organisation the best of luck for the future and I'm saddened at being unable to contribute to their exciting plans." Simms is set to stay in charge of team affairs, along with assistant coaches Phil Veivers and Malcolm Alker, for the foreseeable future. Head coach Shaun McRae is still on sick leave, the 51-year-old Australian not being expected back for several weeks. "Shaun is under medical advice and we've got to respect that," said Simms. "We've just got to let Shaun get better. We feel for him but it's not something in our control."
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