BIG Agnatius Paasi will be playing against Warrington Wolves next season.
The Tongan has signed a two-year deal, with the option for a third, for Wolves' fierce rivals St Helens.
He was one of New Zealand Warriors' stand-out players in 2019, being a regular starting prop, averaging over 100 metres and 28 tackles a game.
The 28-year-old, who only signed a three-year deal with the Warriors in 2019, was hampered by an early season ankle injury playing six times and scoring twice in 2020 and has now opted for a new challenge.
Paasi, nicknamed 'Iggy', weighs in at nearly 115kg (18 stone) and will offer Saints some explosive pace and powernext season.
Father-of-four Paasi said: “My family and I cannot wait to come over and start our new life in England.
“I know Kristian Woolf after playing for Tonga under him and he was a big reason why I opted to join the Saints. I want to prove myself to him and the fans, train hard and play my best.”
Woolf said: "Iggy is a great ball carrier. He is as good a ball carrier I have seen in the NRL.
"On top of that, he has a terrific skill set and offload ability along with a pre-line pass ability. He is the type of player that can turn the momentum of a game in your favour and he is a big defensive player too. All of which I feel will really add to our team.
"I have coached him for Tonga and I remember we played against PNG in the most arduous conditions I have ever been involved in. It was a tough, tight game where you need to stand up and be counted and he was one of the ones who really stood out."
He made his NRL debut in 2014 and then joined the Gold Coast Titans where he achieved 54 appearances between 2015-2017 before re-joining the Warriors in 2018.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel