League: Kevin a lock for Salford but may feature at home

Kevin Locke. Photo / Getty Images

Kevin Locke is on his way to the Super League but may yet have an important role to play with the Warriors in 2014.

Salford announced yesterday that Locke had signed a three year contract, ending weeks of speculation about the future of the Kiwis fullback.

He has been on the outer at the Auckland club since the Warriors signed Sam Tomkins last year, though coach Andrew McFadden is adamant that Locke will still feature in his plans for this season.

"He is so versatile that he could play anywhere," says McFadden. "You just don't know what happens in a season; someone could fall over tomorrow and he goes straight in there - we have to wait and see.

I haven't got any solid plans for Kevin; all I know is that he is a high quality player and when he is in his best shape he probably needs to be in the 17 somewhere."

Locke has played fullback and wing for the Warriors but the club have plenty of options in both areas, especially on the flanks. Locke has also been mentioned as a halves possibility but he is unproven at NRL level in that area.

The 25-year-old returned from a knee injury (sustained in the World Cup final) two weeks ago but has been confined to the NSW Cup.

"He's looking good but is still not in 100 per cent condition at the moment," says McFadden. "We are being cautious with him. Once he can get through two or three weeks of full training and playing I will consider him."

Locke's fate was decided a month ago, when the club advised his agent that they would not be taking up a contract option for 2015.

Despite signing Tomkins last year, the Warriors had been reluctant to let Locke go straightaway. They needed to ensure that Tomkins came through the World Cup unscathed and also had to see how he adapted to the NRL.

The Warriors' brain trust decided they had seen enough from the former Wigan star in the victories over the Cowboys and Tigers to give Locke notice, and ensure he had time to find a suitable destination for 2015.

While the decision was inevitable, it's a shame that a genuine home grown star has departed in this manner. Locke had some magic moments at the Warriors and is still only 25, though off field problems have blighted his career.

"I'm shocked," said teammate Shaun Johnson. "We all knew something was going to have to happen because he doesn't belong in reserve grade. He's come out the first two weeks after a long knee injury and carved up. I knew something had to give. I'm just surprised he didn't go to another NRL club."

It will be difficult for him to retain his Kiwis jersey in the future, with Thomas Leuluai being one of the few players in recent years to be selected by Stephen Kearney from the Northern Hemisphere.