Sea Eagles recruit Epalahame Lauaki has touched down in the northern beaches, taking part in his first training session with his new teammates.
The former Wigan, Hull and New Zealand Warriors forward joins the club on a one-year deal in a bid to aid the loss of recently retired front rower, Richie Fa’aoso.
The former Kiwi international returns to the NRL since last playing for the Warriors in 2008, making 69 appearances over five seasons with the club.
Lauaki has been named to play in the NSW Cup this week, but his ultimate goal is to crack the top-grade sooner rather than later.
"I’ve come here to learn and try and make the NRL team," Lauaki said. "I know it’s not going to be easy but as long as I’m ticking the boxes hopefully I’m doing enough to make the team.
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The Sea Eagles have welcomed a number of Polynesian players to the club in recent years, and the giant forward conceded that they’ve made the transition an easy one.
"Just some of the jokes they say and the way they have welcomed me has been great," he said.
"I spoke to some of the players, and especially watching them in the last couple of seasons, they’ve always had a big forward pack. I just love the style of football they play and made me want to join a winning club."
