Salford have completed the permanent signing of Australian hooker Joey Lussick after he played a key role in helping them survive in English Super League.

The 22-year-old played in all seven of the Red Devils’ Super 8s Qualifiers after arriving with fellow countryman Jackson Hastings in August on a short-term contract from Manly and has now signed a two-year deal.

“We are really pleased to announce the retention of Joey. He’s been a massive lift alongside Jackson,” Salford coach Ian Watson said.

“He gave us some real good organisation and has been pivotal to the spine’s success in the Qualifiers in achieving the top of the league and best defensive record.

“He’s been a mainstay for us after the loss of Josh Wood through injury and his ability to be able to play a quality 80 minutes has given us even more options.

“We are hoping we can build on the success on the coming season with Joey progressing in his own game.”

Lussick, young brother of Toronto prop forward Darcy, said: “I’m really happy to have put pen to paper.”

Salford are also hoping to keep hold of Hastings, who is thought to have caught the interest of Wigan, and director of rugby and operations Ian Blease says the club are working hard to complete more signings ahead of the 2019 season.