Quins sign Australian duo

Harlequins RL have bolstered their pack for 2012 with the signing experienced Australian forwards Shane Rodney and Antonio Kaufusi on three-year deals.

Rodney, 28, has played 125 games in the NRL and is in his third season with the Sea Eagles after joining the club from the Penrith Panthers. “Leaving Manly will be hard but I have always wanted to play in England,” he said. “This opportunity came earlier than expected and Manly have given me the chance to take it up.”

Harlequins Head Coach Rob Powell said “Shane is an experienced player with a lot of games under his belt including a Grand Final win. He is also a decent defender and will provide good strike on an edge.”

Kaufusi, 26, is a Tongan and an Australian international who is currently with Newcastle Knights having played for both Melbourne Storm and North Queensland Cowboys. He has also played State of Origin for Queensland and will add real bite to the Quins pack.

Powell said: “Antonio has been played some of the best football of his career this season for Newcastle Knights – the sort of form that saw him play for Australia a few years ago. He is a big explosive prop and will add a lot to our pack.”

The Australian pair bring the total of new signings for Quins to five with more expected.