LUKE Swain is heading to the Willows before the Christmas decorations come down.

And Salford City Reds' recruit from Gold Coast Titans can't wait to start his new Super League career.

Indeed, he's looking forward to a reunion with former team-mates and some NRL adversaries.

Swain is one of four front line signings brought in for the Reds' return to the top flight along with Ray Cashmere, Mark Henry and Jeremy Smith.

"I've played with both Craig Stapleton and John Wilshere before at Penrith," said Swain.

"I've kept up with how they're going over there and it's good to hear of all the success the two of them are having.

"I've played against big Ray Cashmere and it's good to know he's on my side now and I don't have to tackle him any more."

Swain moves to England with fiancee Alisha and nine-month old son Lachlan.

"I'm just really excited about the challenge of proving myself in another competition," he enthused.

"Salford have given me the opportunity to do that so I hope I can repay their confidence in me.

Indication

"Playing in the World Club Challenge for Penrith against Bradford in 2004 gave me a good indication of just how strong the Super League is as they gave us a bit of a hiding!"

"We also get two games a week over here on television so I've had a bit of a chance to check out the competition.

"I'm just really excited about the challenge of proving myself in another competition.

"It means I'll be coming up against quality opposition week-in and week-out.

"Playing with and against players I've never lined up with before will have me out of my comfort zone and it's a challenge I'm really looking forward to."

Swain expects to be shivering in the bleak North West winter.

So, he's relishing Salford's warm weather camp in America next month.

"Coming from an Australian summer to an English winter should be interesting," he agreed.

"I don't know how many pairs of my board shorts I'll have to pack but I'm looking forward to meeting up with all the boys.

"I've never been on a training camp of this magnitude before, it might be a standard thing for Super League teams but I'm really looking forward to it!

"Moving countries is going to be an experience but we are definitely excited about the move. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and we're looking forward to experiencing living in a new country."

SALFORD youngster Stephen Bannister is one of Widnes Vikings' two new signings for next year's Championship campaign.

The 21-year-old former Harlequins and St Helens prospect is joined by 19-year-old Brett Robinson.

Robinson is a product of Wigan St. Patricks and turned professional with Wigan in 2005. A former England International schoolboy scrum-half he has also played hooker for England Academy, winning the man of the match against Australia in 2006.

Widnes' Sporting Director Terry O'Connor said: "The club wants to create a pathway for young British talent to come through whether nurtured at Widnes or elsewhere."