Triple signing for Tigers

Wests Tigers have strengthened their squad for next season by securing the services of South Sydney‘s Eddy Pettybourne and Bodene Thompson from Gold Coast.

The Tigers have moved to replace Gareth Ellis, who leaves for Hull FC at the end of the year, with back-rower Pettybourne, while Thompson will provide additional forward cover.

Both have signed on two-year deals.

Meanwhile, livewire former Penrith utility Masada Iosefa joins the club immediately and will help to plug the gap left by skipper Robbie Farah during NSW Orgin duty.

“We obviously needed to bolster the back row position with the return to England of international Gareth Ellis at the end of the season,’’ said Wests Tigers Chief Stephen Humphreys told the club’s official website.

“With the experience of over 120 NRL matches between them, Eddy and Bodene will perfectly compliment the good group of young forwards we have coming through our ranks.

“Whilst best known as a hooker, Masada can cover a range of positions and will provide valuable depth to our roster.

“We are also very pleased to extend the contract of David Nofoaluma. He is one of the most exciting young players in the NYC and we look forward to him forcing his way into the NRL squad in the foreseeable future.”

Pettybourne said he was delighted to be joining the Tigers.

“I have enjoyed my time at Souths, having come through the juniors to NRL. I am very excited about joining Wests Tigers and starting a new chapter in my career,” he said.

Thompson meanwhile paid tribute to the Titans, where he has been since signing from the Keebra Park High School – the same school which produced Benji Marshall.

“I owe a lot to the Gold Coast for bringing me through my development and I want to finish the season off well,’’ he said.

“I am at the stage of my career where I feel like I am ready to play my best football and I look forward to working under Head Coach Tim Sheens and teaming up with some of my former Keebra Park High School mates at Wests Tigers.”