Featherstone swoop for Tonga international from the NRL

Featherstone have signed Tongan centre/winger Etuate Uaisele from the NRL.

Uaisele, 28, has made 30 NRL appearances for Parramatta and Penrith, and is currently playing in the New South Wales Cup for Wyong Roos.

He said: “I am really excited about joining Featherstone Roves in 2014 following the World Cup over in the UK. I will be striving to help the team with their quest to be in the Super League in 2015. 

“There was significant interest from Super League club’s in the UK but I was impressed with the vision and enthusiasm of Rovers which I share. I can’t wait to get started.”

Uaisele played at the 2008 World Cup, and is likely to represent Tonga once again in this season’s tournament, ahead of his move to the Bigfellas Stadium.

Rovers Chief Executive Craig Poskitt said “This is a marquee signing for Featherstone Rovers and shows a signal of our intent in 2014 to be the dominant force outside Super League in preparedness for 2015. 

“Etu brings a wealth of experience and character to our squad and we are looking forward to seeing him in action at the World Cup later this year. We expect Etu to be a massive hit with supporters and can’t wait for him to arrive in Featherstone.”