Tongan prop Fifita joins Wakefield from Cronulla

The 26-year-old has secured a release from his NRL club and will join Trinity, linking up with former team-mates Anthony Tupou and Tinirau Arona, with immediate effect until the end of the season, with an option for 2017.

Wakefield coach Chris Chester said: “It is a massive signing for the club.

“As a player we monitored closely over the last six to eight weeks, we know he will bring some real punch and aggression to the team which is something we have lacked over recent weeks.

“I am looking forward to working with David over the coming months. I would like to take my time to thank Phil Moss and the Cronulla board for releasing David half way through the season.”

Fifita, whose twin brother Andrew is a New South Wales player, has made 19 NRL appearances since joining the Sharks from French club Lezignan in 2014, but has played just twice this season.

A Cronulla spokesman said: “David had been given three weeks leave to address some personal issues and, after visiting the UK, and discussions and negotiations with the Wakefield club, had made a request for a release.

“After careful consideration, we have made the decision to provide the release and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Fifita’s older brother Latu, 28, has had a spell in the UK with Championship club Workington.