Salford tracking Moimoi as Koukash dreams big
Salford Red Devils are keeping a close eye on NRL forward Fuifui Moimoi, according to press reports in Manchester.
The Tongan international prop and former Kiwi test star is another big name that Salford owner Dr Marwan Koukash is eyeing up as he looks for stars to bring to Super League.
His plans to make Super League clubs better able to snap up world-class talent have taken a blow this week, however.
Koukash’s plans for a ‘marquee player’ to be exempt from Super League clubs’ salary caps has been thwarted, with the idea blocked before it even got to a vote at a meeting of clubs on Monday.
He feels that blocking the move is a short-sighted thing to do, and could harm the future prospects of the sport as a whole.
“I am absolutely disappointed and feel people who blocked it did it to serve their own purposes rather than the purpose of the sport,” he said.
“They said it will be looked at again in November but it is a way of brushing it under the carpet and not dealing with it.
“But I know what I want and I will keep fighting for it. I am doing this for the sport not for myself.
“I truly believe the sport needs a shot in the arm to take it to the next level and the way to do that is to allow marquee players.
“If you look at crowds over the last five years in the sport they have not grown so there is something wrong and something needs doing.
Koukash also revealed that Kevin Locke was not in prime condition ahead of his Salford debut against Huddersfield on Saturday.
The player apparently arrived from New Zealand looking tired out, and was given permission to have a few days rest.
He spurned the offer, however, and got stuck straight into training.
“He was physically sick after one session but made it perfectly clear he wanted to play against Huddersfield,” said Koukash, according to the Manchester Evening News.
“That showed Kevin’s professionalism and how very determined he is to show what he can bring and do here. It was so pleasing to see him go out there and do what he did at Huddersfield.
“Kevin will get better and better and this is why people will enjoy watching what he brings – not only to Salford but to Super League.
“By the time we play Leeds and Wigan later this month, he should really be very good. Once Kevin has really settled in and has games under his belt, he is going to be very big in terms of impact.
“These are the players people want to pay good money to see.
“That is why I am doing everything I can to bring in world-class players but there are limits beyond our control.
“I used to watch Wigan just to watch and marvel at Sam Tomkins – people are going to do the same with Salford simply to see Locke’s brilliance.
“He is one of those players who can do special things and make the game what it is.”