Geordie sure he can earn Salford stripes
LUCKLEY KEEN TO TAKE HIS CHANCE WITH RED DEVILS
NEW Salford Red Devils signing Sam Luckley grew up dreaming of playing for Newcastle United and scoring goals at St James’ Park’s famous Gallowgate End.
This year, though, the affable Geordie will look to prove his worth as a Super League player after making the step up from Newcastle Thunder.
The 24-year-old Scotland international from North Shields was supposed to be playing for Ottawa Aces, but their withdrawal from League 1 forced him into a major rethink.
Luckley, an imposing loose forward who has signed a one-year deal with Salford with an option for a second year, admitted: “It’s been a blessing in disguise, really.
“When Ottawa withdrew because of the pandemic, we were able to look elsewhere.
“A couple of clubs came in and I had a few Zoom calls, but then I had a chat with Ian Blease at Salford.
“He spoke well about the culture at the club, the people they wanted to recruit and the players who are already there.
“It just really appealed to me and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to jump from League 1 to Super League.
“I just need to earn my spot and try and force them to give me that second year.”
Luckley spent the best part of five years at Thunder, having played for his hometown club while studying at Northumbria University.
The step up to Super League will be huge, but it does not faze him.
Nor does playing with established world-class stars such as Kallum Watkins.
Luckley added: “You see these lads on Super League on telly week in and week out so then to actually meet them was unreal.
“I’m just trying to be a bit of a sponge and pick up as much information as possible in training.
“I like playing at 13 because you can do a bit of everything.
“I enjoy the physicality of it all, the ball carrying, and from when I started that’s what appealed to me about rugby league.
“But now, in this day and age, forwards need to be able to catch, pass and run lines in order to adapt to the current game.”
Playing under new Salford boss Richard Marshall should help his game to develop, according to Luckley.
“When I first met Richard, I had a little chat with him about aspirations - what he wants for the club and what he expects from me,” he said.
“He’s just a great bloke in general - very easy going and his door is always open so you can chat with him.
“He’s big on detail so if he’s explaining something in training then you better listen to what he’s saying.
“He’s got so much information and experience that he can pass on to someone like myself.”
Luckley has won four Scotland caps in matches against Wales, Ireland, Greece and Serbia.
He added: “Danny Addy is a mate of mine and someone I know through the Scotland set-up.
“He’s a top player with great hands and someone else I can learn a lot from at Salford.
“I’d love to play in the World Cup later this year.”