Warriors snap-up Kiwi international

Shaun Wane’s Warriors have snapped-up Frank-Paul Nuuausala on a three-and-a-half year deal.

He has been released by Canberra and is expected to arrive in England next month to bolster Wigan’s squad for the business end of the season.

Nuuausala 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.”

The 29-year-old has gained a reputation for having a combative, aggressive style - earning him the nickname ‘Wrecking Ball’.

Wane said: “The Wigan fans are really going to enjoy watching Frank-Paul play for us.

“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.

“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.”

Nuuausala becomes Warriors’ fourth overseas player, along with Anthony Gelling, Willie Isa and Taulima Tautai.

His capture - forecast in the Evening Post earlier this month - comes days before the signing deadline, and in the same week Wigan tied up a deal for Joe Burgess from 2017.

Wigan are also thought to be the front-runners to sign their former star Thomas Leuluai.

Club 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”.

Nuuausala made his NRL breakthrough at Sydney Roosters in 2007 where he played more than 150 games and won an NRL Grand Final and World Club Challenge. His 15 caps include the 2010 Four Nations Final and the 2013 World Cup Final.

He joined Canberra for the 2015 season and played in all 24 NRL games for them last year.