Hull KR land NRL star Brad Takairangi

The East Yorkshire club have signed him on a two-year deal after securing his signature amid plenty of interest from elsewhere.

Takairangi, who won four caps with New Zealand at the 2017 World Cup but has more recently been representing the Cook Islands, has plenty of NRL experience.

The Australian-born 31-year-old - who is equally at home at second-row - made his first-grade debut for Sydney Roosters and played alongside now fellow Robins, Mose Masoe, Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Kane Linnett.

He has featured heavily for high-flying Parramatta this season and KR head coach Tony Smith said: "He’s a very experienced player with a lot of versatility.

"Brad is able to play in the back-row, centres and stand-off.

"His versatility and experience will be enormous for us and will add to our strength in depth in a number of positions.

"Should we need him to fill in any of those positions he will be more than comfortable and proficient.

“Brad is fresh off the back of a successful 2020 campaign with Parramatta Eels, where he starred in the semi-finals.

"He’s played at international level and nearly 200 games in the NRL, so he brings experience in various roles.

"He’s at the stage of his career where he’s in the leadership group, so he will help us further develop the younger players."

The decision to recently swap England prop Robbie Mulhern for Warrington Wolves' Luis Mulhern helped free up space on Rovers' salary cap.

Takairangi has played more than 100 games for the Eels over the last six years and Smith explained: “The Luis Johnson deal really enabled this to get across the line.

"That deal we did with Warrington allowed us to get to the levels in order to secure Brad, so whilst we weren’t on the lookout for that deal originally, it’s ended up helping us get two strong players.

“Brad is a big guy and very mobile. He’s 6’4ft and about 107kg so he’s a big man and skilful with it.

"He’s got a good kicking game with the ability to pass and break the line. We’re excited about what he brings to us and creating plenty of competition for places."

Takairangi’s arrival continues the Robins’ impressive recruitement for 2021 given they have already signed the likes of England winger Ryan Hall from Roosters, Fiji’s Korbin Sims from St George Illawarra and Melbourne Storm forward Albert Vete.