The Wests Tigers have moved to strengthen their depth for the 2016 NRL season, signing utility backs Justin Hunt and Jordan Rankin.

Hunt has signed a one-year contract, while Rankin’s two-year deal secures him at the Tigers until the end of 2017.

Debuting for South Sydney in 2012, Hunt has played only 21 NRL games across three clubs, the others being Parramatta and most recently St George Illawarra.

The 26-year-old, with seven first-grade appearances for the Dragons this year, can cover wing or fullback.

Rankin made his first-grade debut in 2008 for Gold Coast, playing 17 top-grade games for the Titans before leaving at the end of 2013 for a Super League stint with Hull FC.

The 23-year-old can play a range of positions including fullback, five-eighth and halfback.

Coach Jason Taylor said Rankin and Hunt would bolster the club’s depth next year.

“As a club, we are continually looking at improving our depth and the overall quality of our NRL squad,” Taylor said.

“Both Jordan and Justin have plenty of experience which means that the competition for positions in the NRL team will increase next year.

“I know that both players are coming to the club for an opportunity and to fight hard for positions in the team – that’s what we desire,” Taylor said.