Salford have been linked with a move for the Australian outfit as they look to beat champions Wigan

SALFORD can bolster their pack with an immediate move for Australian forward Loghan Lewis.

The Red Devils have pulled off their own Marsters coup by signing Huddersfield star Esan Marsters from next season, meaning Cade Cust is unlikely to be retained for 2025.

But SunSport understands 21-year-old Lewis is fit for the rest of the campaign, with an option for next.

It is believed the Canberra Raiders man could even be in the country by the time they play in London next Sunday.

Cook Islands international Marsters, who plays at center for Huddersfield, is heading to the Red Devils as a defender, where he has played at international level.

However, that would mean current Aussie ace Cust would not receive the extra 12 months the club has an option to exercise in his contract.

Midfielder David Nofoaluma is also released after just two games.

Paul Rowley’s men reached the final of the Challenge Cup after exacting revenge on Hull KR with a 38-6 onslaught.

And Luke Thompson admits the lessons of last year, when Rovers beat them 11-10 in extra-time in a last-gasp classic semi-final, have taken them on.

The prop, who played for 80 minutes, said: “We talked about it, there was a bit of pain from last year.

“The guys talked about how they felt and we didn’t want to feel that way again.

“Semi-finals are usually tense and nerve-wracking but luckily for us we started really well and got the jump on them. We talked about starting fast and that’s what we did.”

However, one downside to Wigan’s win is that they face the prospect of three games in 10 days in August to fit in their derby with Leigh.

The second-round clash was postponed for the World Club Challenge, with a date on a Challenge Cup weekend written in should Matt Peet’s men have been knocked out.

However, getting to Wembley now means one game is likely to be brought forward for Thursday, Wigan v Leigh next Tuesday and the third game on Sunday.