Locke linked with rugby union switch
14:50, 22 February 2015 By Neil Barker
Salford Red Devils Kiwi star Kevin Locke is again strongly linked with a shock move to rugby union and developments appear imminent.
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Bill McLaughlinKevin Locke
Kevin Locke, Salford Red Devils Kiwi full back star, is believed to be on the brink of considering a shock cross-code move to rugby union.

Scottish Rugby Union bosses have confirmed they have been officially told by Salford that Locke will be given their permission to speak with them to see if he is interested in going to play union ahead of the World Cup.

Locke is eligible to play for Scotland.

Mark Dodson, CEO of the Scottish RFU, confirmed at the start of last week there had been an approach from Salford to discuss Locke.

He spoke on the telephone with owner Marwan Koukash.

Dodson was keen to point out no move for Locke who can play either full back or half-back has ever been instigated or led by anyone within the Scottish set-up.

They say they are naturally intererested though if Salford are prepared to unload a player of Locke's class

The ball now appears to be in Locke’s court to decide does he want to stay with Salford and play Super League or chance his arm in union.

There could be developments in the next 48 hours.

He is on a lucrative contract at Salford having joined mid-way through last season from the New Zealand Warriors.

Locke missed Salford’s opening Super League game at Warrington but played against Saints.

He was an early casualty though due to a niggling groin injury.

He has since sought the opinion of a specialist on the injury and had injections.

A move to union would see Locke playing his club rugby in Scotland while he is groomed for the step-up to international level

How many games has he actually played in since he joined?

I want him desperately to be the super star signing he was trumpeted as but unfortunately there has been precious few glimpses of of his brilliance.

If we do let him go it's a big pat on the back for Evalds who I'm sure will become a star in his own right.

Yes Barker keeps linking him with Rugby Union in Scotland i'll be surprised if this happens.
Hock linked with Leigh but again this is from Barker

Fingers crossed we see the back of Gareth Hock today. I was made up when his name was announced as a Salford player back when, but after 12 months of having him at the club it’s evident the bloke his spent. His career is only going one way from here and that’s downwards, strong rumours he’ll end up Leigh – imagine him in the Championship? Worrying thought for all Leigh fans.

Would a fee be paid for him as he's under contract or would we just release him?

Swap for the Docs friend Brierley would be good.

With Hock and Puletua going/gone that's a decent chunk of cap freed up, wonder who's available at this time of the season though.

I would hope he’s just sacked for gross misconduct. Just because the RFL haven’t picked up on his homophobic tweets, I would hope the club have.

Shame about Puletua, I rated him last season. Seems like he has been pushed out for an unfit Scott Taylor, which is a shame given TP is a model professional. I had heard talk that he had cists on his knees and these were causing issues, but his performances last season didn’t indicate so.

Is it confirmed TP is not in the squad for this season or jus this weekend?

rlGreg Bird anyone?rl Like for like swap with Hock...

No, keep Hock and get Bird, then he'd have someone too sell it too

He'll have to avoid prison first. Unless the doc can secure some sort of day release programme to allow him to play.

Marwan Koukash has just confirmed he will allow Locke to go if there is someone out there interested - developments too with Swinton plan - Neil Barker's comments.

Can't understand why we get rid of Locke...is it because this injury never going to go and we have signed another lemon...

If him and Hock do leave then i have full faith in the squad we have got! Evalds is ready to take over the number 1 jersey and our back rowers is probably the strongest point of the team so not worried.