League: Kevin Locke finds new club

Former Warriors fullback Kevin Locke.

Former Salford fullback Kevin Locke's time as a free agent was short lived after signing on to join Super League's cellar dweller's Wakefield Trinity.

Wakefield moved in quickly to snare the former Kiwis and Warriors player after Salford owner Marwan Koukash confirmed on Wednesday that he was willing to release him from his contract.

Last week Locke sent a resignation letter to Salford and requested £52,000 in unpaid wages, a claim which was dismissed by Koukash, who said he would be seeking damages from the 26-year-old, after paying a transfer fee to sign him from the Warriors last year.

Locke has signed with Wakefield through to the end of the season, pending the granting of a visa.

His arrival follows the appointment of former NRL coach Brian Smith and the signing of former Warriors hooker Michael Sio, as the Wildcats look to avoid relegation into the Championship.

"I am delighted to welcome Kevin Locke to the club," said Wakefield chairman Michael Carter.

"Kevin showed a great desire to come and play his rugby here and get a smile back on his face.

"We think we can help him achieve that which will be good for him and us. I can't wait to see him pull on the red, white and blue jersey."

Locke, who played for the Kiwis in the 2013 World Cup final at Old Trafford, was viewed as a marquee signing by Salford when he joined almost a year ago on a three-and-a-half-year deal after leaving the NRL.

But Locke endured a turbulent time at the club, playing in just 13 out of a possible 27 since making his debut last July at Huddersfield.

Injuries played a factor but Koukash made his feelings clear in recent weeks when he said he was prepared to listen to offers from rival clubs to buy Locke mid-season.

Locke even considered a switch of codes earlier this year when he held talks with the Scottish Rugby Union before the idea was abandoned when chief executive Mark Dodson withdrew from negotiations.

Locke is now set to play against the Red Devils, with Carter confirming he will be eligible to play against Salford in the qualifying games as part of the Super 8s that will determine the make-up of next year's Super League.