Salford land Nakubuwai

Salford Red Devils have signed Fiji prop Ben Nakubuwai from Gold Coast Titans for next season.

The 21-year-old played a major role in all of Fiji’s matches in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, helping the Bati reach the semi-finals for the third time in succession.

Nakubuwai has been talked about Down Under as being the next Petero Civoniceva. He made two appearances in the NRL for the Titans, scoring one try.

And Red Devils head coach Ian Watson admitted that he was impressed with Nakubuwai during the World Cup.

He said: “I am really excited with the signing of Ben as he is an outstanding addition to our group.

“He’s a great bloke off the field with an attitude to graft hard for his teammates on it.

“His potential has been seen in the recent Rugby League World Cup with Fiji at just 21-years-old and with seven international appearances under his belt, he will add quality and enthusiasm to an already strong pack of forwards for 2018.

“He made his NRL debut this year and is coming over here to really create a name for himself. He is a player in the mould of Petero Civoniceva and it’s up to us to help him achieve these high standards that he and the club are striving towards.”

Nakubuwai could play his first game in a Salford shirt as early as January, subject to visa arrival, when they face neighbours Swinton in their first pre-season friendly.