Wigan have announced the signing of Sydney Roosters NRL grand final winner Frank-Paul Nuuausala from Canberra Raiders.
The Warriors are thought to have beaten rivals St Helens to the signature of the 29-year-old prop, who joins them with immediate effect on a three-and-a-half-year contract and is expected to arrive in the next few weeks once he receives his visa.
Nuuausala won the 2013 premiership with the Roosters before moving to the Raiders in 2015 and won 15 caps for New Zealand.
Wigan coach Shaun Wane said: “Frank-Paul is exactly the kind of player we want at Wigan.
“He’s a very tough player who really throws himself into the action and is used to winning. He’s also very experienced having played in the World Cup final, the Australian Grand Final and the World Club Challenge.
“We’ve not had much luck with injuries this year and this signing is exactly the kind of boost we need, at this time, as we look to mount a serious challenge for trophies.
“The Wigan fans are really going to enjoy watching Frank-Paul play for us.”
Nuuausala, who recently lost his place in the Canberra team, said: “I’ve achieved everything that I can in my career in the NRL and, whilst still in my prime as a prop-forward, want to experience the challenge of Super League.
“It would be great to win the Grand Final over there as well and the Challenge Cup at Wembley and joining a strong and successful club like Wigan gives me that best opportunity.
“I’m looking forward to pulling on the famous cherry-and-white jersey for the first time and playing in the uniquely passionate environment of rugby league in England.”
Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan said: “As an ambitious club, Wigan is always interested in international players of the highest calibre and Frank-Paul Nuuausala certainly fits into that category.
“Having played in the NRL for many years and consistently for New Zealand, he is an excellent addition to an already-strong Wigan pack as we look to build on our strong position in the Super League table and to progress in the Challenge Cup.”
