Salford linked with move for Aussie prop as they look to down champs Wigan

SALFORD may prop up their pack with an immediate move for Aussie forward Loghan Lewis.

The Red Devils pulled off their own Marsters-stroke by signing Huddersfield star Esan Marsters from next season, meaning Cade Cust will likely not be kept on for 2025.

But SunSport understands 21-year-old front rower Lewis is being lined up for the rest of the campaign, with an option for next.

It is believed the Canberra Raiders man may even be in the country by the time they play London next Sunday.

Cook Islands international Marsters, who plays at centre for Huddersfield, is heading to the Red Devils as a half back, where he has played internationally.

However, that would mean current Aussie ace Cust would not get the extra 12 months the club has the option of exercising in his deal.

Winger David Nofoaluma is also being released after just two matches.

Paul Rowley’s men take on a side buzzing after reaching the Challenge Cup final after exacting revenge on Hull KR with a 38-6 mauling.

And Luke Thompson admits lessons from last year, when Rovers beat them 11-10 in extra time in a last semi-final classic, drove them on.

The prop, who played for the entire 80 minutes, said: “We’d spoken about it, there was a bit of pain from last year.

“The lads spoke about remembering how that felt and we didn’t want to feel like that again.

“Semi-finals are usually tense and nervous but luckily for us, we started really well and got the jump on them. We spoke about starting fast and that’s what we did.”

One drawback from Wigan’s win, however, is they face the prospect of three games in 10 days in August to fit in their derby with Leigh.

The round two clash was postponed for the World Club Challenge, with a date on a Challenge Cup weekend pencilled in had Matt Peet’s men been knocked out.

However, reaching Wembley now means one match is likely to be brought forward to Thursday, Wigan v Leigh on the subsequent Tuesday and their third match on the Sunday.