Newcastle winger Josh Mantellato, an Italy international, has become Hull KR’s third new signing for 2015.

The 27-year-old, who represented Italy at the 2013 World Cup, has signed a three-year contract to join fellow outside backs Ken Sio (Parramatta) and Darrell Goulding (Wigan) at the Robins next season.

Goal-kicking Mantellato has made two NRL appearances for the Knights and is on course to top the points-scoring chart in the reserve-grade NSW Cup for a third consecutive year.

Hull KR coach Chris Chester said: “Josh comes to us highly recommended from Australia and we are thrilled to have him on board for next season.

“He is a player we targeted six or seven weeks ago and he comes to us as a proven try-scorer and also a fantastic goal-kicker.”

Mantellato said: “I’ve been a bit of a late bloomer and my ambition is to come over there, cement a regular first-grade spot and do my bit for the team.

“I’m not coming over for a holiday, I’m coming to test myself. I’ve played in England a couple of times with the Italian national side and I love how loud the fans are. It’s something I’m looking forward to experiencing every week.

“Hull Kingston Rovers is a passionate club as well so I’m really excited about the move and hopefully what I lack in NRL experience I can make up for in other areas.”