Thursday 26 February 2015 17:41, UK
Kevin Locke could be the next high-profile departure from Salford following the sudden exit of Gareth Hock.
Hock, 31, was released from his contract by mutual agreement on Monday night after a turbulent 14 months with the Red Devils and has been linked with moves to Leigh and Widnes.
Locke could now be set for a switch of codes after Salford owner Marwan Koukash confirmed he has given permission for Scotland Rugby Union to speak to him.
The 25-year-old New Zealand international full-back has struggled due to injuries since moving to Super League from the Warriors last June.
I've made it very clear to Kevin if he wants to stay he could stay but if he wants to leave I'm not going to stand in his way.
Locke missed the opening game of this season with a groin injury and suffered a recurrence during the 52-6 home defeat by St Helens 12 days ago.
Now Koukash has hinted that he is prepared to cut his losses and instead put his faith in 21-year-old home-grown product Niall Evalds.
"Scotland Rugby Union did express an interest in him," said Koukash on Tuesday morning. "I've not forced Kevin to talk to them.
"I've made it very clear to Kevin if he wants to stay he could stay but if he wants to leave I'm not going to stand in his way. We've got young Niall Evalds who we need to start developing and, if he does stay, he's got to fight for a place with Niall.
"Niall hasn't put a foot wrong in all the games he's played and he's got the right attitude and mentality to make it to the very top."
Mark Dodson, chief executive of Scotland RFU, confirmed the interest, saying: "When a world-class player like Kevin Locke comes onto the market place, we will certainly have a look at him."
'Abandon'
Meanwhile, Hock looks certain to quickly find a new club, although he has been urged by Koukash to take a break from the game.
The former Wigan second-rower will not be able to play in any case until Easter after being handed a six-match ban by the Rugby Football League after being found guilty of two separate offences of kneeing opponents in the match against St Helens.
Koukash said: "I really don't know what he wants to do. I'm sure there will be some interest. He hasn't been sacked or shown the door. We've just had conversations over the last 10 days and came up with a deal that was his choice and I have to respect it.
"Regardless what people think of him, deep down he is a very nice person and I will continue to help him. I texted him first thing this morning to see how he is and to invite him to the match on Saturday to say goodbye to the fans and the players. You just can't abandon players.
"It may be in the best interests of Gareth now to experience a new environment, maybe take a break from rugby league to sort out his personal issues and whatever and come back a stronger person."
Leigh coach Paul Rowley said: "We would love to have Gareth Hock at the club, he's a wonderful player. He has been linked with the club, as has a number of high-profile players, there is nothing more to say."
Salford are likely to go into the transfer market to replace Hock but that will be a decision for coach Iestyn Harris.
"It does leave me with a bit of room on the salary cap and I need to sit down with Iestyn and look to see what we need to strengthen the team," said Koukash.
"Obviously we will be bringing in somebody else but we are not just going to go out and buy for the sake of buying."
