Salford and Wakefield in swap deal

James Gordon

Salford centre Junior Sa’u has joined Wakefield on a month’s loan, with Trinity forward Pauli Pauli heading the opposite direction.

Sa’u, 32, has seen playing time limited since the arrival of Krisnan Inu, with Kris Welham also a regular starting centre.

Salford coach Ian Watson said: “This deal with Wakefield means Junior’s going to be able to get some playing time and gain match fitness.

“We’ve also been able to bring in a strike weapon, which will be a massive boost.

“I’ve tracked Pauli since he first came over here and any team will struggle to stop him.

“This move is big for us. We’ve been looking for something extra and not only will it mean Junior gets that match fitness, but we also bring in a player who is feared by most team’s defences.”

Wakefield have been short in the outside backs following injuries to Tom Johnstone, Bill Tupou and Joe Arundel.

Trinity coach Chris Chester said: ”To bring in a player of Junior’s quality at this point of the season is great for us.

”With Joe and Bill still six weeks away from returning, the arrival of Junior really strengthens us and adds some real good depth.

”Pauli will head the other way on-loan with a view to getting more minutes. His game time has been limited recently with the form of Justin Horo, Danny Kirmond and James Batchelor, so it’s an opportunity for Pauli to get some more gametime at Salford.”