Salford sign up another Lussick
JOEY MAY HAVE LEFT, BUT NOW DARCY IS A RED DEVIL
HOOKER Joey might have returned to his native Australia but there will be a Lussick in the Salford squad for 2021 after older brother Darcy joined the Red Devils on a one-year deal.
The 31-year-old forward had been living with Joey near to the AJ Bell Stadium and was part of the Toronto Wolfpack side that earned promotion to Super League in 2019.
“I’m stoked to be joining Salford,” said Lussick. “My brother’s told me it’s a really family-orientated club, where everyone’s close.
“I’ve lived in Salford for two years now. My house is two minutes from the ground and while I’ve been here, I’ve really noticed the city getting behind the club. You go to the ground and you see how passionate the supporters are.”
After starting his career at Manly Sea Eagles, the elder Lussick brother joined Parramatta Eels – where he played alongside current Red Devils captain Lee Mossop – before returning to Manly and then going on to be one of the Wolfpack’s marquee signings under current Salford coaching consultant Paul Rowley.
“I know a few of the boys already and I’m looking forward to playing with Lee Mossop in the front-row, after our time together at Parra,” he said.
New Red Devils head coach Richard Marshall was delighted to add Lussick to his pack options, coming just a few days after it was confirmed that fellow NRL star Elijah Taylor will be joining the club.
“Darcy’s exactly the kind of dominant front-rower we talked about bringing into the squad when I arrived,” said Marshall.
“He’ll offer us another big, physical presence in the middle and like Elijah, he’s another player whose experience at the highest level will benefit some of our younger forwards.
“He’s an aggressive competitor, who I am looking forward to working with. He’ll also be fresh, as he hasn’t played for a year after representing Toronto.
“After speaking to him, he will be working extra hard in training to get back up to speed.”
Lussick was one of the members of the Toronto squad impacted severely by visa issues surrounding the club and was ultimately left stranded when the Wolfpack withdrew from Super League and were not re-admitted for 2021.
“It’s not often we’re presented with the opportunity to sign a player with Darcy’s wealth of NRL experience, who also happens to have lived in the city before and has a deep understanding of our culture,” said director of rugby Ian Blease. “All of those factors tell me that this is the perfect move, for both Darcy and the club.
“It’s clear that he’s super keen to get his career back on track in 2021 and have a big season for the Red Devils.”