NEWCASTLE THUNDER have signed King Vuniyayawa from Featherstone Rovers for next season.
The Fiji international prop brings experience from the NRL, in which he played five times for New Zealand Warriors, and Super League.
He moved to the UK in 2021, making 16 appearances in his sole season at Leeds Rhinos and then playing 57 games in three seasons at Salford Red Devils.
Vuniyayawa also featured twice on loan for Hull FC in 2024 before moving to Featherstone, where he played 26 times.
The financial issues at Rovers, who are currently in administration, have seen their top players look for moves elsewhere and Vuniyayawa, 30, is no different.
He’s the seventh new signing for a Newcastle side which is strengthening significantly for the merged Championship competition after losing every match for two seasons running in League One.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have King on board,” said Thunder head coach Graham Steadman.
“His experience, passion and work ethic are exactly what we need to complement our squad moving forward.
“He is a proven player at both the domestic and international levels, and I’m confident that King will make a big impact with us.
“We are building something special here in the north east, and King’s arrival is a fantastic addition to that.”
Vuniyayawa, whose nine Fiji caps include four at the 2022 World Cup, said: “I’m really excited to be joining Newcastle Thunder for the upcoming season.
“This is a great opportunity for me, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in helping the team achieve success.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about the club and the support here, and I’m ready to contribute my best to the squad.”