The NZ Warriors have completed the signing of Tongan international Ben Murdoch-Masila on a three-year deal.
But fans will have to be patient to see Murdoch-Masila in a Warriors jersey, as he won't join the Auckland-based NRL club until the 2021 season.
The 29-year-old will return from England, after completing the final year of his contract with Super League side the Warrington Wolves.
"Ben is right up among the best forwards in the game right now and he had plenty of clubs trying to sign him," said Warriors recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan. "It's a huge signing for us, one we couldn't be happier with.
"Ben always had enormous potential and has now matured into a total professional. He'll be a real asset to have back in the NRL."
The Warriors hoped to have Murdoch-Masila on board this season, but he wants to honour his contract with the Wolves, who helped revive his career.
"Over the three years that I've been here, we have had pretty much the same squad, so we are really close," Murdoch-Masila told the Warrington Wolves website. "I will definitely miss the boys.
"I will miss the fans too and the atmosphere they create for us - it is unreal, the passion they share with us in the good and bad times.
"I've always left the door open for the opportunity of an NRL comeback though. My daughter has spent her life here and all she knows is Warrington.
"When this opportunity came around, I couldn't say no to taking her home to meet mine and Roxy's families.
"I want to thank all at the club for what they have done for not only me, but for my wife and daughter too.
"They've gone above and beyond for us, and after a tough first two seasons for me and a not so good start, I will do whatever it takes to help repay what the 'Wire' has done for me and do my best for the remainder of the year."
Born in Auckland, Murdoch-Masila made his NRL debut as a 19-year-old in 2010 with the West Tigers, before moving to the Panthers in 2014.
He played 58 games in the NRL, before moving to England, where he played for the Salford Red Devils, before singing with Warrington.
He has also played 11 tests for Tonga, including in last year's historic win over Australia.
Join us for live updates of the Warriors' 2020 NRL season
