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Rugby League

Tigers seal Faumuina signature

20/08/2008

Castleford Tigers have signed New Zealand international forward Sione Faumuina on a one-year deal for the 2009 Super League season.

The 27-year-old back-rower, who has won two caps for his country in 2003 and 2004, joins from North Queensland Cowboys in the Australian NRL.

Faumuina is also a capable stand-off, as well as being an accomplished forward, but the Tigers expect to utilise the Kiwi in the pack for next season.

Head coach Terry Matterson said: "I'm very pleased to have got Sione on board for next year.

"He will bring us some real presence, he has the size and skill and plenty of experience at the top level in the NRL.

"When I was at Canberra we tried to bring him back to the club but he opted to stick with the Warriors.

"He is good with the ball - and can play five-eighth - but most of his career has been spent in the back row, which is where we see him playing."

Faumuina made his senior debut in the NRL in 2001 with the Canberra Raiders.

His other former clubs include New Zealand Warriors and Castleford's Super League rivals Hull FC - where the player made three appearances towards the end of the 2005 campaign.