SALFORD City Reds powerhouse Phil Leuluai has been hailed as the 'complete package'.

The Kiwi prop, signed from Cronulla towards the end of last season, was in devastating form in the win over Celtic Crusaders.

Reds' boss Shaun McRae said: "He is playing some great rugby and really showing us what his game is all about.

"Phil is an experienced forward and we again saw the impact he can have with his strength and controlled aggression."

Football director Steve Simms added: "Phil has really settled in at Salford and he is the complete package as a front rower.

"He is big, strong and this is where you need this kind of power because games are won and lost in the pack."

McRae said the form of the pack is a major reason why the Reds sit on top of the Co-operative National League One table.

"We have a lot of keen competition in the pack this season and that's good.

"We have a talented young player like Steve Nash who is doing everything he can right now to try to force his way back into the team.

"His chance will come but the guys holding down the shirts right now are doing what's expected of them."

Reds are in action on Thursday night at Featherstone in the Northern Rail Cup quarter-final and McRae is sweating on the availability of skipper Mal Alker, who was hurt in a punch-up.

But Craig Stapleton will be back after returning to Australia following a family bereavement.

MEANWHILE, the pressure is increasing on under-fire Warrington boss Paul Cullen after Friday night's hammering by Wigan.

Speculation has been rife that assistant coach Jimmy Lowes could be in line to take charge for the remainder of the season if Cullen is axed.

The Wolves inept second half performance at the JJB sparked an angry response from fans frustrated by their inconsistency.

Skipper Adrian Morley claimed last week's cup defeat by St Helens had made the team more determined to make their mark on Super League.

They scored three first half tries at Wigan but then capitulated - losing 38-14.

WIGAN have completed the signing of Parramatta hooker Mark `Piggy' Riddell for next season.

Warriors already have Mick McIlorum in the first team squad and Micky Higham could find himself surplus to requirements when Riddell arrives.

Chairman Ian Lenagan is also pulling out the stops to find a replacement for Trent Barrett who will leave at the end of the season - one year earlier than expected.

Wigan have been linked with Darren Lockyer but Lenagan will bide his time.

OLDHAM Roughyeds beat Swinton 30-20 to clock up their 13th home win on the trot.

Inspired by a hat-trick of tries from winger Marlon Billy, Swinton led 20-18 with 12 minutes to go. But Oldham ran in a match-winning 10 points in four minutes with face-saving tries from centre Danny Halliwell and scrum half James Coyle, while Mick Nanyn bagged his third goal from six attempts.

Coach Steve Deakin said: "Our best spell came right at the end and previous to that we played like a registered charity.

"But I will take an ugly win - it is better than a pretty loss. We were the better footballing team, but we weren't great."

It was hardly the best preparation for next Sunday's Challenge Cup clash against Wakefield Wildcats.

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