Patten will finish the 2010 season with the Canterbury Bulldogs

Salford City Reds' new signing Luke Patten says the chance to link up with former team-mate Daniel Holdsworth was a key factor in joining the club.

The 30-year-old Australian full-back, who signed a three-year deal on Monday, previously played with Holdsworth at NRL side Canterbury Bulldogs.

"I've got a good friend in Daniel who's just signed long term as well," Patten told BBC Radio Manchester.

"I enjoyed playing with him in the past and I look forward to it again."

He added: "I was in contact with him most days asking him how he's enjoying living in England. He's loved every minute of it and hasn't got a bad word to say."

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Patten was also a target for fellow Super League side Huddersfield Giants but admitted the chance to move to Salford was more appealing.

"I've always wanted to play in Super League, I see Salford are on the way up and thought what a great chance to come up and do something really special."

Patten will finish the 2010 season at the Canterbury Bulldogs and end his 10-year tenure in the NRL.

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