Salford on Thursday signed Australian fullback Luke Towers as a potential straight replacement for countryman Luke Patten in the Super League.

The 23-year-old Towers, who has been playing for French club Limoux, will link up with the Reds immediately on an initial contract until the end of the season.

Salford head coach Phil Veivers said: “We have had very good reports on Luke and we’ll see how he shapes up.

“I am told he is good enough for both the NRL and Super League. He will have to learn everything pretty quickly and we will have a good look at him.”

Towers, who played reserve-grade for the Sydney Roosters before moving to France, can play on the wing and at halfback but will be given an opportunity to press his claims to fill the fullback berth, which will become vacant when Patten retires at the end of the season.

Reds’ director of football Steve Simms said: “Luke is an exciting player who can score tries and that is what the game is ultimately about.

“He’s coming over and Phil will have a look at him and, to be fair, he will be having a look at us at the same time.

“But he comes with great reviews and we are looking forward to seeing what he has to offer.”