NZ Warriors centre Viliami Vailea will leave the club at the end of the 2023 NRL season, after signing with North Queensland Cowboys.
Vailea, 20, has agreed to a two-year deal with the Cowboys, as a replacement for Pita Hiku, who is leaving the club in 2024.
He has made five appearances for the Warriors this season, taking his NRL tally to 17, since making his 2021 debut.
"It was an extremely difficult decision to release Vili," said Warriors general manager Andrew McFadden. "We really appreciate his contribution in his time with our club and wish him all the best with his move, but first, he has a job to do for us for the rest of this season."
Fellow Warriors midfielder Adam Pompey has extended his stay with the Auckland-based for a further two years, and with Rocco Berry in career-best form and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck confirmed to play in the centres next season, midfield spots were limited.
Vailea's arrival at the Cowboys will be welcomed, with Hiku's departure leaving an opening.
"With Peta Hiku moving on in 2024, we have a position in the outside backs to fill," said Cowboys general manager and Warriors great Michael Luck.
"We are really happy with how our young outside backs in Rob Derby and Zac Laybutt are developing, but we thought we needed another player with first-grade experience to come in to balance the squad.
"Viliami is parked behind some young guys at the Warriors who are playing really well and when the opportunity arose to sign him, we were immediately excited, because we've been impressed with what he has produced in the opportunities he's already had in first grade.
"We think Viliami will fit into our programme well, and look forward to seeing him in Cowboys colours in 2024 and beyond."
