NRL: Ousted Locke not holding any grudges

Kevin Locke. Photo / Richard Robinson

Kevin Locke says his relationship with Sam Tomkins is "awesome", despite the different trajectories their respective careers have taken.

It's not often you feel good about the guy that takes your job.

After a mixed start, Tomkins is established at the Warriors, in the fullback position that Locke had held for most of the past five years.

Locke is now headed to Salford, to play in the UK Super League, but holds no grudges.

"I have a lot of respect for Sammy, on and off the field," says Locke. "[Our relationship is] awesome - he's a good bloke and a great player."

Locke even felt some sympathy for Tomkins, as he struggled to make an impact earlier this year.

"He copped it a bit at the start and I felt sorry for him actually," says Locke. "You can't judge a book by its cover; he works hard at training and he is a world-class player. He's the man."

Locke was torn about leaving the Warriors.

"It will be difficult to leave - this is where it all began," says Locke. "I had the opportunity to go to other clubs but [Salford] financially will just be awesome and it will be a new challenge."

Locke could still be an important wildcard this season. The 25-year-old can cover several backline positions and coach Andrew McFadden is experimenting with him as a back-up hooker. If Locke can handle the physical demands, his speed out of dummy half could add to the Warriors' attack.

"I blew the lungs out in the first five minutes [last week] but it was a good experience," says Locke. "I'm confident I can do the job in the middle ... I just need to get a bit fitter and get used to my body being bashed around a bit. Hopefully I can build a combination with Shaun [Johnson] and Sam and come on to the field when the big boys are tired and use a bit of skill around the ruck."