Salford Red Devils can confirm the loan signings of Greg Burke and Ed Chamberlain from Widnes Vikings with Weller Hauraki heading to the Select Security Stadium as part of the deal.
Chamberlain recently featured in the Rugby League World Cup for Ireland while Burke came through the ranks at Wigan Warriors. Hauraki – who has spent three full seasons with the Red Devils – will head the other way in the swap deal.
Salford Red Devils Head Coach Ian Watson said: “It’s great that we’ve been able to bring two new players into the side at this crucial juncture of the 2018 Betfred Super League season.
“Ed [Chamberlain] is an outside back which is an area we have been short in this season and his arrival will only stiffen up the competition within the outside backs. Ed’s recent exploits in the Betfred Super League and at an international level with Ireland in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup have developed him into a real prospect.
“Greg [Burke] is a player who has competed at the highest level when coming through the ranks at Wigan Warriors and will add much-needed steel to our forward pack. He has led Widnes’ pack over the last few seasons in a dominant and intimidating fashion.
“Weller [Hauraki] has been an important member of our squad over the past few seasons and has proven to be an asset both on and off the field. All the players and staff would like to wish him all the best for the future.
“The opportunity which has arisen has seen us gain two young British players in exchange for Weller and this is a massive lift to our squad.
Director of Rugby and Operations Ian Blease said: “We’re delighted to get both Greg and Ed in for the remainder of the 2018 Betfred Super League season.
“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to bring some new faces into the Club and unfortunately been pipped at the post for a few players so to bring both Greg and Ed in is a massive boost for us.
“It’s important to keep things fresh and encourage competition for places within the first team squad and I believe both will improve Ian Watson’s options going into the business end of the season.
“Weller has been a fantastic servant and one of our standout quota players over the last few seasons and we’d like to wish him the best of luck for the rest of the 2018 season.”
Full interviews with Greg Burke and Ed Chamberlain will be on the Club website and Salford Red Devils TV in the coming days.
