Interim head coach Todd Payten believes NZ Warriors have hit the figurative nail on the head with their two new player signings this week.
On Wednesday, the club announced it had secured colossal Parramatta Eels prop Kane Evans on a two-year deal, while paperwork is also being finalised for St George Dragons centre Euan Aitken on a three-year term.
Payten has coached against the 1.99m, 110kg Evans at U20 level, and says the giant front-rower will provide a welcome dose of aggression and a different challenge to opposing defences.
"Kane is very capable and he's a big body," says Payten. "He's skillful and he's fast, so there's no doubt he's going to help our club.
"I've always been a believer that you need different body shapes in your footy team. It provides a different tackle to the opposition.
"He's got good leg speed for a big fella and because of his height, he can get the ball away in an offload. He's got a good lean into contact, so he finds his front a lot."
Payten acknowledges that injuries have prevented Evans from finding the consistent minutes he needs to excel, but plenty will be available with the Warriors.
"He will be able to play more minutes at our club and I think with some continuity in his football, he'll be able to do that.
"He's big and aggressive too. I've actually seen him dominate packs."
After coaching Aitken at age-group State of Origin level, Payten says the 25-year-old is another "good acquisition".
"He's a strong carrier out of the backfield and his last month of footy has been really strong," he notes.
"He's a terrific kid - professional - and he'll be good for the group."
Payten had been involved in the early stages of recruiting both Aitken and Evans, but admits he's taken a back seat since Nathan Brown's recent appointment as the side's new head coach from 2021.
Unfortunately, neither player will be available for the Warriors' biggest test of the NRL season against competition-leading Penrith Panthers, who are riding an eight-game undefeated streak.
The Auckland-based side were comfortably dispatched 26-0 when they last met back in round three, although Payten has given that result little thought in preparing for Friday.
"I didn't delve into that game at all - we've got a completely different squad.
"We're a different team. They've got better, we've got better, so there's no doubt we'll have to be at the top of our game.
"But we're going into this with a bit more confidence and belief, and when you play like that, anything is possible."
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