Salford bring in Joey Lussick

Drew Darbyshire

Salford have confirmed the singing of Manly hooker Joey Lussick for the remainder of the season.

The 22-year-old made a try-scoring NRL debut last year for Manly against St George Illawarra Dragons and has been a regular for their feeder team, Blacktown, for the last two years.

Lussick represented Australia Schoolboys in 2013 and has spent time in the youth systems at Parramatta Eels and Sydney Roosters.

Salford head coach Ian Watson thinks the hooker can add a lot to the playing group.

He said: “Joey is a strong player to add to our group at this time as he can cover all our spinal positioners and is a dominant organiser around the ruck with good deception and a great kicking game.

“He’s played Australian schoolboys with Jackson [Hastings], played at the Roosters with Jackson and at Manly with him so the combinations that normally take time to develop will already be there with a solid connection which will be a massive plus for us.

“He will add some solid support alongside Josh Wood at this moment in time. He made a try-scoring NRL debut for Manly last season with a clever acting half-back play and has been a standout performer for Manly’s feeder team, Blacktown.

“He is always high on the tackle count and really strong in defence. We’re looking forward to welcoming Joey into the side for the remainder of the season.”

Lussick could come up against his brother, Darcy, when Salford take on Toronto Wolfpack in the Qualifiers.