Tautai jets in to join Wakefield after Eels release

Tautai, 25, who was in his second spell with the Eels following a two-year stint with Cronulla and has made 72 NRL appearances, will leave for England this week after agreeing a deal with the Wildcats.

“This is a great opportunity for Taulima to test himself in a new competition,” said Parramatta chief executive Ken Edwards.

“He has been a great servant to this club and we wish him all the best for his next challenge.”

Wakefield confirmed that Tautai is due to arrive today to take up a contract running until the end of the 2014 season, taking the quota spot freed up by the release earlier this year of Isaac John.

“He’s fit and ready to go,” said Wildcats coach Richard Agar. “It will give us a boost at this stage of the season.

“It will certainly give us what we’ve been looking for for a while which is increased competition for places among our middle men.

“He’s not played at Parra at all this year and hence he’s looking for a move. We’ve been able to utilise that situation and the timing of it has suited both parties.”

The 6ft 3in Tautai has represented Samoa and is hoping to force his way into their World Cup squad at the end of the season.

“I can’t wait,” he said. “It’s a good opportunity for a new start and I’m looking forward to it. I want to establish a career for myself in Super League.”

Widnes have given goal-kicking winger Patrick Ah Van a new two-year contract which will keep him at the Stobart Stadium until the end of the 2015 season.

The 25-year-old former Bradford player was the Vikings’ leading scorer in his first season with them, with 16 tries and 34 goals but he is currently sidelined with a knee injury.

“The Widnes fans love him,” said Widnes coach Denis Betts. “Pat has proven to everybody that he has an eye for a try. He makes breaks, has the ability to kick goals and is a genuine all-round exciting winger.”

Ah Van, who played for New Zealand Warriors before joining Bradford ahead of the 2011 season, is also hoping to push for a place in Samoa’s team for the end-of-season World Cup.

“I was delighted to be offered a new deal,” he said.

“This club is really on the way up and we’re only going to get better.”

Batley Bulldogs duo George Flanagan and Ash Linday have both been banned for one match after pleading guilty to the Grade B offence of punching in the Kingstone Press Championship fixture against Swinton Lions on May 12.

Swinton players David Mills and Gene Ormsby were also handed one-game suspensions.