Nuuausala hopes to land in time for Saints derby

The Wigan v Saints derby is a big draw for Frank-Paul Nuuausala

The Kiwi prop is still in Australia as he waits for a work visa, and hopes to be over early next month.

And if he doesn’t arrive in time to face Wakefield on July 8, he could make his home debut two weeks later against Saints before the split for the Super-8s phase.

The 29-year-old has been told about the intense rivalry by his former Canberra team-mate Sia Soliola, who left St Helens after the 2014 Grand Final.

And Nuuausale said: “I’ve got a good mate at St Helens, Lama Tasi, and Sia is one my best mates – he actually gave me stick for going to Wigan! I’m not sure he’s happy about it!

“He told me all about the rivalry. He told me it’s similar to the Roosters-Souths games here and I cant’ wait to be a part of that.”

Nuuausala met with Wigan rugby manager Kris Radlinski during his trip Down Under earlier this month.

And after agreeing to make the switch on a three-and-a-half year deal, he has been doing his research into his new club.

“I watched their 7-0 win against Widnes, and was really impressed with the character they showed, with so many players you,” he said.

“It showed me they are mentally tough and strong, and it’s exciting to be a part of it.

“I know they’re a strong club and I’ll be proud to wear the cherry and white.”

That victory lifted Wigan to second in the Super League table and they are also just 80 minutes away from Wembley, thanks to their 26-12 quarter-final win against Castleford.

“That would be awesome to progress in the Cup,”added Nuuausala, a member of the Sydney Roosters side which beat Wigan in the 2014 World Club Challenge.