Sheens set to offer Lui a fresh start at Salford

FORMER Australian Test coach Tim Sheens has issued a lifeline to Robert Lui with the unwanted Cowboys playmaker signing a two-year deal with Salford.

But Lui’s hopes of resurrecting his career in the Super League now hinges on the support of British immigration, which must rubberstamp his request for a sporting visa.

Lui has a criminal conviction against his name after an assault in 2012 which saw him placed on a two-year good behaviour bond and banned for 12 months by the NRL.

UK authorities have previously taken a hard-line stance against Australian NRL players with criminal records.

But Lui is hopeful a number of character references penned by Sheens and Cowboys officials will help him clinch a visa to begin his career with the Red Devils.

Sheens, now Salford’s director of coaching, handed Lui his NRL debut at the Wests Tigers in 2009 and is keen to reignite the 25-year-old’s career.

“We still have to get Rob’s visa approved which we are in the process of doing, but we’re hopeful he will get the green light,” said Lui’s manager Mark Stewart.

“We’ve agreed to a two-year deal with Salford but the only sticking point now is the visa.”

Lui endured a turbulent stint in Townsville. He played 46 games for the Cowboys over four seasons and at his peak was regarded as the perfect foil for champion halfback Johnathan Thurston.

But Lui’s struggles with weight and his off-field preparation left him on the outer with coach Paul Green.

The English game will suit Lui’s attacking style and he is hoping a successful stint at Salford will be a springboard back into the NRL.

“Rob is an NRL-standard player,” Stewart said.

“He has the skill to carve up in the Super League and if he does, he is still young enough to come back to the NRL.”