The Queensland Reds have confirmed the signing of St George Illawarra winger Eto Nabuli for the next two years.
Nabuli signed a contract extension with the Dragons in the NRL earlier this season but was reportedly told he would not be required for season 2016, leading to a return to the 15-man code, which he played as a junior in Fiji.
He will be the second player with NRL experience in the current Reds squad, alongside ex-Bronco Karmichael Hunt.
The 27-year-old played 13 games for the Dragons this season and scored the side’s only try in their 11-10 elimination final loss to the Bulldogs on Saturday, ending their unlikely run into the finals.
At 197cm and 108kg, Nabuli will bring more size to the Reds’ back line that already boasts bullocking centre Samu Kerevi.
While he had limited game time this season, Nabuli’s finishing skills showed at St George, crossing on debut for the Dragons against the Melbourne Storm, the first of six tries in his 13 games for the club.
The Fijian rugby league international reportedly rejected rugby union offers from the Western Force at the end of 2014 to sign in the NRL for one season.
“My hometown of Sigatoka is known as a Rugby town, so it’s exciting to be heading back to the sport I grew up with,” Nabuli said.
“It will be a big challenge for me, but I will train hard and work hard to earn my place in the team. I’m really looking forward to this new challenge. This will be a good move for my future and for my family.”
“It will be a big challenge for me, but I will train hard and work hard to earn my place in the team. I’m really looking forward to this new challenge. This will be a good move for my future and for my family.”
