Kevin Locke: Salford Red Devils signing wants full-back position

Kevin Locke secured an early release from his contract with New Zealand Warriors in order to join Salford

Salford signing Kevin Locke wants to play at full-back for his new club after losing his place to England's Sam Tomkins at New Zealand Warriors.

Tomkins joined the Warriors from Wigan and Locke's first-team chances in 2014 have been limited as a consequence.

"I thought that if I wanted to pursue a career playing at full-back, this is a good opportunity to do that," Locke, 25, told BBC Radio Manchester.

"He [Tomkins] is a top bloke and I have a lot of respect for him."

The Kiwi international, who has signed a three-and-a-half year deal at Salford, continued: "I've spent a lot of time with him through pre-season and this year.

"It was very hard to leave because I've grown through the years with the blokes at that club, but I'm very grateful to be here."

Sam Tomkins (l) has scored six tries in 15 NRL appearances for New Zealand Warriors

Locke, who played for New Zealand in last year's World Cup final defeat by Australia at Old Trafford, was due to join the Red Devils in 2015 but was allowed to link up early with the Super League side.

He started training with Salford earlier this week and has been included in their 19-man squad for Saturday's trip to Huddersfield.

"What you want to build at a club is a culture and a disciplined environment," said head coach Iestyn Harris.

"As well as the talent that comes in, you've got to make sure he is the right person for the group and Kevin's certainly that.

"He's a player that's desperate to succeed over here and he's very easy to get on with. That bodes well with the talent he's got as well."

To download BBC Radio Manchester's Rugby League Extra podcast, including interviews with Kevin Locke and Iestyn Harris, visit www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts