Thursday 10 July 2014 15:31, UK
Kevin Locke says he rejected offers from two rugby union clubs in order to join Super League side Salford Red Devils.
The New Zealand international turned down the chance to switch codes - and play for either Edinburgh or Glasgow - preferring to remain in rugby league.The 25-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half year contract with Salford after gaining a release from New Zealand Warriors.
I got a few union offers in Scotland around the same time as here, from Edinburgh and Glasgow, but I wanted to stay in league. I didn't want to switch.
The full-back made his Super League debut against Huddersfield Giants and impressed with a try and six goals as the Red Devils upset Paul Anderson's title hopefuls.
Locke, who could make his home debut against Hull FC on Saturday, said: "From day one, when I flew into the country, I've loved it.
“I've actually felt the happiest I've been for a few years and I've spoken to my family back home about how good it is over here.
"It's a fresh start for me. I was starting to dislike rugby league just because of the way the Warriors were treating me but now I've started to love it again.
"I got a few union offers in Scotland around the same time as here, from Edinburgh and Glasgow, but I wanted to stay in league. I didn't want to switch."
As for Warriors, he added that he was moved out of position when they signed Sam Tomkins from Wigan: “The coach was trying to put me in there at hooker or where they could slot me in.
"I just couldn't adapt to that so I really forced it upon them to try to get over here. The media hyped a lot of it up back home but it has been hard.”
