Wakefield bolster pack with Parramatta prop

Wakefield have continued their re-building for 2014 with the signing of Parramatta forward Matt Ryan.

Ryan, 25, has secured an early release from his deal with the Eels, where he has made 24 appearances in the past two seasons.

He said: “It’s pretty exciting. It came as a bit of a shock to get the chance to come over but I jumped at the opportunity.

“I’ve only had two seasons of first grade so Super League wasn’t something I’d really considered but the chance to go to a new country and experience a different lifestyle and competition is an awesome opportunity.”

Having sold a number of key players due to financial worries at the end of last season, the Wildcats have now signed five new faces for 2014, with Ryan following the arrivals of Scott Anderson, Daniel Smith, Richard Moore and Paul McShane.

Wildcats coach Richard Agar said: “He’s a big guy who is a tremendous attacking player, has good footwork, can offload and will bring a real physical presence to our pack.”