Huddersfield have confirmed the signing of Tongan international forward Ukuma Ta'ai from the New Zealand Warriors on a three-year deal.
Tongan becomes Yorkshire club's third new recruit for next season
Huddersfield have signed forward Ukuma Ta'ai from the New Zealand Warriors.
The Giants have snapped up the Tonga international on a three-year contract and he will arrive in November to begin pre-season training with his new team-mates ahead of the 2013 Super League season.
Ta'ai - who can play in the front or second row - has been with the Warriors since 2009 but was told midway through this season that he would be released at the end of the year.
"Ukuma has been on the Giants radar for quite a while and when I heard he may be available for a UK move I earmarked him as a priority signing," Giants coach Paul Anderson told the club's website.
"He can play at prop or back row and we will work out how to utilise his skills best during the pre season.
Strong man
"He is physically a very strong man with natural size and strength which allied to his aggressive style and off loading ability makes him a dangerous Rugby league player.
"I want players with size and strike as we call it in the game and Ukuma ticks all the boxes."
Ta'ai - who is now in the process of securing his visa - becomes Huddersfield's third recruit for next year, joining fellow new boys Brett Ferres and Anthony Mullally at the John Smith's Stadium.
"It will be a new adventure for me and my family overseas and Huddersfield have a wonderful reputation here down under now as a good club to be at," he said.
"I think their style will suit my strengths as will the Super League in general so all we need do now is tie up the paperwork and plan for the move to the UK."Ta'ai is Huddersfield's third signing for 2013, adding to Anthony Mullally and the already-joined Brett Ferres.
"Ukama has been on the Giants' radar for quite a while and when I heard he may be available for a UK move I earmarked him as a priority signing," said coach Paul Anderson.
"We will work out how to best utilise his skills during pre-season."
Ta'ai added: "Huddersfield are always in the play-offs and I am excited about helping move them forward next year and will be supporting them in this year's play-offs from here at home.
"I think their style will suit my strengths as will the Super League in general so all we need do now is tie up the paperwork and plan for the move to the UK."
