Australian prop Justin Poore completed a shock move from Parramatta Eels to Super League club Wakefield on Friday.

Former New South Wales forward Poore agreed a two-year contract with Wakefield and will link up with his new team in time for the start of the 2013 season.

The 27-year-old made 178 appearances in the NRL, initially with St George Illawarra, and appeared in all three games of the 2009 Origin series for the Blues.

“This is a major signing for us and shows our fans that we are in the market for some top-quality players,” Wakefield chief executive James Elston said.

“Justin is still only 27 and there was an NRL club after his services but he has chosen to come to Wakefield.

“We have made no secret that we have been after a big man to lead the pack and Justin certainly is that.”

Poore, whose father was born in England, admitted he was keen to move to Super League for a fresh challenge after nearly a decade in Australian rugby league.

“I’ve had almost 10 years in the NRL and I wanted a different challenge,” said Poore.

“I’ve always wanted to experience playing in England and Wakefield really appealed to me because it is a very family-orientated club.

“I probably didn’t think I’d be coming over at this stage in my career, but when the opportunity came around I jumped at it because it’s a short career and you never know when it might come around again.”