Salford sign Burgess and Mateo

Salford have made a double signing from Manly ahead of the Middle 8s in Luke Burgess and Feleti Mateo.

Mateo has joined the Red Devils until the end of this season while Englishman Burgess also arrives from the Sea Eagles.

Head Coach Ian Watson said: “Our guys have really stood up during the regular season and bringing in players of Luke’s quality will give everybody a boost at this stage. We have been monitoring him since before the season and are delighted to be bringing him to the AJ Bell Stadium.

“We have been a top six team on our performances and we have to go out and get through a toughMiddle 8s making sure our play is up to the same standard. Luke will add to our squad and cause our opponents problems.”

Director of Rugby Tim Sheens said: “We are bringing in a couple of great players as insurance. You can’t risk going into the 8s and picking up a couple of injuries and finding yourself relegated.

“We are looking to get the guys over this weekend or certainly early next week to get them prepared for our first game of the Qualifiers.”