I think it's a gamble, and not because he left Salford under a cloud.

I like Locke, he's a decent guy and has undoubted talent. On his best form he would probably be the best FB in the comp. But this is also where the problem lies...

The big reason he wanted out, ignoring the money issues, was because he simply couldn't get fit and when he did he couldn't shift Evalds out of the FB position. When he did rarely play he always re-injured himself. He's just recently had major surgery on a recurring injury he has been unable to shift since his time at NZ Warriors. He turned out to be a very expensive community liaison.

With a bit of luck the worst is behind him and he can actually get back to playing instead of sitting around growing his belly and burning out the online gambling sites...

If anyone can get the best out of him it's Smith, and the change may do him good. I really hope he comes good because he is a real talent and I have a soft spot for Wakey.

Don't take this as an attack on your new signing, just an observation. Hopefully the gamble will pay off, Wakey certainly will lose nothing even if he never plays but gain a lot if you can get something out of him.

Good luck.

Good business this... well done Michael, Chris, Jon and Brian!

Prefect synergy at the perfect time for all parties!

IF fit he has the potential to be the best fullback in the comp. He only had a handful of good games for us, but you could see that he was class above, even on one leg against Castleford and Hull FC in his last two games for us he was arguably the best player on the pitch.

Its certainly a vast improvement on Miller or Hall and a gamble that is 100% worth taking for Wakey.

Can't see any gamble at all, this is a very astute move and a good signing.
He may have his problems but compared to the problems we have at Fullback he must be a guaranteed improvement

I doff my cap to all involved. Like others have said, It's a fantastic signing and one that shows Michael Carter's commitment to bringing the good (or even a bit better) times back to Belle Vue. I would rather have a good Wakey team still in Super League than the horrible egotistical Leigh any day.

It's a slight gamble because of the time he's spent on the side lines. However it's a position we have had a problem with all season so it a win for me. Add a centre and bobs your uncle. Great great news well done m c, bs and team

The big positive is that he's here already and doesn't really require any paperwork doing before he plays. Signing someone from Down Under would have been a more drawn out process

Great signing, should get a few back through the gates.

How do you know that for certain, and how can you 'ignore' the money issues? He claimed he was owed 50 grand - that would be hard for anyone to ignore. I would imagine the main reason he wanted out was exactly that - and the resultant breakdown in the employment relationship. And possibly the fact that his employer is a mentalist.

Anyhow - time will tell - it's a bold signing, but if he can help drag us through the middle 8's and retain a SL place, it will prove to have been an astute one.

Obviously a gamble, but in your position, one worth taking, If you can get him playing to nearly his full ability he could be the difference between getting back into SL next season.

Michael Carter said that the wage chat was 2 minutes long. The rest of the negotiation was about rugby. That is what we need. Players who want to play and have a point to prove.

We do know that for certain.

Locke had become an expensive fixture due to injury and re-injury. He couldn't get back in the team because he was being played out of his position by a 21 year old ex-Salford academy player. He had a few indiscretions off the field. One in France and he didn't endear himself to the management by going diving in the Manchester ship canal when he was 'recovering' from injury. His relations with MK deteriorated further when MK publicly commented about players not putting effort in but happy to take the cash. He decided to resign out of the blue, using money as an excuse.

The money side of things has two sides to every story...
Salford are pursuing Locke for money owed from the player, apparently. A significant amount too. Reading between the lines from what both sides have said, is that it involves advances of pay. I'd hazard a guess that the money thing is an excuse to get out of a bad situation for Locke.

I personally hold nothing against Locke. He had one good game for us, and that was his first away to Hudds. From my point of view we can't miss what we never had. Every Salford fan is happier that we still have Evalds who has kept someone of Locke's calibre out of the team.

It's all water under the bridge now though. He did nothing for us, but that doesn't mean he'll do nothing for you guys. After all, he's not become a bad player, he's just got no form. Fresh start might be just what he needs.

Wow! What a signing!

He really has something to prove and is also in the shop window for an NRL contract next season. The player is pure class.

As for Evalds better than a fit Locke that's a joke...

He is now being coached by a legend in Brian Smith who he no doubt has the utmost respect for this probably could not be said for the set up at Salford. He is also better than anything Trinity have in the squad at full back.

Just need a quality experienced centre for real strike out wide please!

Owen is not a centre. He proved that in the last 15 mins against Catalans.
niether is Miller.

Great signing hope Clawsons pork pies at half time will get him fit. We still need a centre and a power man tho. We have centres who cannot pass the ball.