Patten to make Salford switch

Super League strugglers Salford City Reds have announced the signing of Australian full-back Luke Patten on a three-year deal.

The 30-year-old will arrive from Canterbury Bulldogs ahead of the new campaign and he will add an extra dimension to Shaun McRae's team.

He will end his nine-year stint with the Bulldogs after playing more than 200 games for the club.

During his illustrious career at the club, he picked up the player of the year award on two occasions and Reds chairman John Wilkinson is delighted to have made the coup.

He said: "It is undoubtedly great news for Salford to announce the signing of Luke Patten from the Bulldogs.

"Luke has been one of the finest full-backs in the world for many years and it is a signal of our intent for the future.

"As part of our plan as we move to our new home in 2012, it is our intention to strengthen the team and compete in what will be an historical year for our club."

Meanwhile, Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenberg added: "Luke has been one of this club's great leaders and we are sorry to see him go."