Hull FC sign Samoa international Junior Pauga

HULL FC have added another Sydney Rooster in the shape of Junior Pauga.

With 25 NRL appearances to his name with the Roosters and Wests Tigers, the New Zealand-born, Samoa international centre isn’t as experienced at the top level as ex-Australia halfback Daly Cherry-Evans.

But having been a regular try-scorer in their New South Wales Cup team, Hull reckon Pauga fits the bill as a backline replacement with Davy Litten heading to Wakefield Trinity and Tom Briscoe retiring.

Chief executive Richie Myler said: “He’s solid on both sides of the ball and he’s really excited about the opportunity to come over to Hull to work under (incoming coach) Steve McNamara, who has been a big admirer of Junior for a while now.

“We’ve been keeping tabs on him for a bit and he’s been hitting some really good form in the New South Wales Cup, so he’s going to arrive with a real spring in his step and he’ll be a great option for us in the backline.”

Pauga, 30, said: “I was chatting with Daly Cherry-Evans about heading over to Hull next year and we were both talking about how excited we are for the opportunity next year. I can’t wait for it!”