The Sydney Roosters believe they have finally found their back up to injured hooker Jake Friend after securing Matt McIlwrick from Canberra.

The deal comes after Matt Srama pulled out of a move from Gold Coast to join the Roosters.

New Zealander McIlwrick, 23, has been signed on a one-year deal after being granted release from the last year of his NRL contract with Canberra, as the Roosters released forward Frank-Paul Nu’uausala to join the Raiders.

McIlwrick is likely to be pressed straight into action with Friend set to miss at least the first month of the 2015 season as he recuperates from shoulder surgery.

“We are pleased to have secured the services of Matt, who we view as the ideal back-up hooker to Jake Friend,” said Sydney Roosters recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan.

“With explosive speed around the ruck and high work-rate in defence, as well as his ability to slot into lock, Matt and will add some great depth to our interchange and we look forward to his developing as part of our squad,.”

McIlwrick has played 19 games in the NRL with the Raiders since making his debut in 2012.