Paleaaesina signs for Doncaster
Hull FC prop Iafeta Paleaaesina has joined Doncaster on a two-year deal.
The 33-year old forward joins the club from 2016 Ladbrokes Challenge Cup winners Hull FC, having spent time on dual registration with the Dons last season.
The New Zealand-born forward made his breakthrough in the NRL with New Zealand Warriors.
On the international stage he helped the Kiwis win the 2005 Tri Nations Series, before switching allegiance to represent Samoa at the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.
He joined Wigan Warriors ahead of the 2006 season and helped them win the Super League Grand Final four years later, defeating St Helens 22-10 at Old Trafford.
Paleaaesina bowed out on a high with Wigan, joining Salford for the 2011 season where he spent two years before a spell in France with Limoux.
He returned to Super League with Hull FC, where he has spent the last three seasons, going on to make his 200th top flight appearance.
Last season Paleaaesina made 11 appearances for Doncaster, scoring three tries, whilst also featured for Hull six times.
The forward becomes the second new arrival of the close season, following the capture of Charlie Martin from Keighley Cougars.
Paleaaesina said: “I’m really grateful for the opportunity, having the dual registration with Hull FC and coming over to Doncaster to play, I have made a good relationship with club and I’m delighted to have signed.
“Having played a lot of games for Doncaster this year I really enjoyed it, I have a great relationship with Carl Hall, Gary Thornton and also the players.
“I had a point to prove to the players that I was here to play for a spot and do well for Doncaster and fortunately for me they have taken me in with open arms.
“Carl Hall has shown me the plans for the club and that is something I want to get behind, I want to be part of the success.
“We are pushing for promotion, it all starts in pre-season and there will be more signings to come.
“This stadium is better than most of the Super League clubs, the training facilities here are top class, this club is on the rise, I wouldn’t have come here otherwise.
“I’m really looking forward to 2017 and pulling on the famous colours of Doncaster.”
Chief executive Carl Hall added: “It is a great privilege to be able to bring Iafeta Paleaaesina to the club on a two year deal.
“He is a massive signing for us here at Doncaster, he is a fantastic character both on and off the field and I am sure a lot of our younger players will thrive from his experience.
“Iafeta will continue to play a part at both Hull FC and Doncaster, where he will combine his playing role here with a new off-field player welfare role at the KCOM Stadium.
“I’d like to place on record my thanks to Motu Tony and Hull FC for our continued dual registration partnership and for helping to make this move happen, without whom it would not have been possible.
“With Iafeta coming towards the back end of his career, I hope he can leave a legacy here at Doncaster and have a similar impact to that of when we signed Paul Cooke.
“His career to date at the top level speaks for itself and I can’t wait to see him week in week out for the next two seasons.”
