York swoop for Salford powerhouse Pauli Pauli

York have signed forward Pauli Pauli, who played for the Combined Nations All Stars this year, from Salford.

Pauli, 27, has spent the past four seasons in England, the first two with Wakefield before moving to the AJ Bell Stadium.

Coach James Ford said: “Pauli is someone I’m really looking forward to working with and I’m keen to help him play at the very top of his game.

“He’s a big, intimidating man who will add another dimension to our game in attack and defence.

“I’ve spoken to a number of people about Pauli and there was a unanimous opinion that he’s a player I’d enjoy working with.

“He is keen to work hard at his game and that was something that really drew me towards him.”

The Australian played 48 times in the NRL for Parramatta and Newcastle, and scored for Salford in their 2020 Challenge Cup defeat to Leeds.

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The signing of the Australian was made possible by the York Squad Builder fund, which has already contributed towards the signings of Jamie Ellis and Liam Harris this off season.

Knights chairman Jon Flatman added: “The fact we are able to bring people like Pauli to the club is, in no small part, down to the role of Squad Builder.

“The difference it makes is vast, as shown by the calibre of player it has helped us recruit, not just in this instance but across our whole 2022 squad.

“Anyone who wants to get involved with it, this sort of signing is what you can help us achieve. I hope fans enjoy seeing Pauli playing in Knights colours next season at the LNER Community Stadium!”

York had a disappointing season in 2021, having been tipped to be among the frontrunners in the Championship.

They eventually finished ninth and have undergone a rebuild this off-season.