Salford swap Weller Hauraki for Widnes duo Greg Burke and Ed Chamberlain

Salford have swapped club captain Weller Hauraki for Widnes pair Greg Burke and Ed Chamberlain on loan deals.

Ireland centre Chamberlain, 22, and prop Burke, 25, were out-of-contract with the Vikings at the end of the season.

Ex-New Zealand Maori back-rower Hauraki, 33, was also off-contract in November. The moves are classed as loan agreements until the end of the year.

Salford coach Ian Watson is delighted to have added some extra bodies to his squad.

He 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.”