Castleford Tigers have signed Cronulla NRL star Jesse Sene-Lefao on a two year contract.
Sene-Lefao becomes the Tigers sixth signing for the 2017 season following the announcements of Larne Patrick, Rangi Chase, Greg Eden, Tuoyo Egodo and Daniel Igbinedion.
Samoan forward Seno-Lefao, 26, made six appearances for the Sharks in 2016 and was formerly with Manly Sea Eagles.
He made his debut for Manly in 2013 in the opening round of the season against Brisbane Broncos. He went on to play 38 games over three seasons with the Sea Eagles.
He also has international experience, making his Samoan debut in 2014. He played alongside current Castleford Tigers halfback Ben Roberts in the 2014 Four Nations against England.
Speaking today Sene-Lefao said: “I’m really excited to be heading to the UK to join Castleford Tigers. I’m good friends with Ben Roberts and Junior Moors and they’ve both told me much such positive stories about the club and how passionate the fans are.
“I’m ready now to take my game up to a new level and Castleford sounds perfect for me. I’m looking forward to playing for a club that plays such a big part in the community and my family and I are looking forward to the experience of moving overseas and getting to know the people of Castleford. We’re taking a family holiday right now but I can’t wait to make the move and knuckle down and show what I can do in pre-season training.”
Daryl head coach Daryl Powell rates his new signing highly: “I’m delighted that Jesse has agreed to join us,” he said.
“I watched him play two years ago for Manly and I was really impressed with his skill, energy, enthusiasm and determination as a player. This year he was in a great environment at the eventual winners of the NRL Cronulla Sharks and I’m sure he’ll bring his great experience as a player to help us as a club achieve our goals.”
Tigers CEO Steve Gill added: “Jesse is going to be a great addition to our pack. At 26 years of age we feel as though it’s the right age for him to develop into the cornerstone of our pack for years to come, and I’m sure he will be a big favourite with our fans. I would like to thank Cronulla Sharks for agreeing to release Jesse from his contract early to join us.”
See all the latest signings news in Monday’s edition of League Express
