SALFORD City Reds have signed of Australian prop forward, Craig Stapleton.

Signed from Cronulla Sharks, the 28 year old will join the Reds for the 2008 season on a two year contract which will take him to the end of the 2009 season.

The Sydney born father of four is no stranger to these shores having spent the 2005 Super League season with Leigh Centurions, where he made 28 appearances and scored 4 tries.

He has spent the last 18 months with Cronulla Sharks, while Craig's previous NRL clubs include St George Illawarra, Parramatta Eels and Penrith Panthers.

Commenting on the signing, director of football Steve Simms said: "Craig is a quality player and one of the best front rowers in the NRL. We are fortunate to have signed him and he is a great acquisition to the club."

Craig will arrive in Manchester in December and will join the Reds on their warm weather training trip to Jacksonville, Florida, in January 2008.