Rugby: Former Warrior Sam Lousi signs with Hurricanes

Former Warriors league player Sam Lousi has quit the Waratahs Super Rugby franchise and signed with the Hurricanes.

Lousi, who was brought to Sydney by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, but his rugby development has been hampered by injuries.

The Hurricanes have seen enough raw potential to poach him however.

Lousi is tipped to have a stint in the NPC before linking up with the Canes. He will be the second ex-Warriors in the Hurricanes ranks after centre Ngami Laumape joined Chris Boyd's team this season.

The big forward is not the only New Zealander on the move across the Tasman.

After a week from hell, the tide is set to turn for the Western Force.

They are closing in on the signing of Bulldogs NRL try-scoring sensation Curtis Rona.

The high-profile coup would give the Force a much-needed boost after the drunken controversy in South Africa and poor performances of 2016.

Rona, who is originally from Taranaki, was being mentioned as a contender for the Queensland State of Origin side last year after he broke through as one of league's best finishers, but then discovered that he was not eligible to play in the code's showpiece event because he'd spent 12 years of his childhood in Western Australia.

Rona played for the Wanneroo district rugby club and was in the Force's academy before he switched to league fulltime in 2009.

He made his NRL debut in 2014 for North Queensland, scoring six tries in seven games, before switching to the Bulldogs, for who he's scored 34 tries in 42 games.

Rona's wife Jacinta also hails from Perth and it's understood the couple have a home there and are keen to move back with their daughter.

Tellingly, the Bulldogs are now chasing Canberra winger Brenko Lee as a potential replacement for Rona.

Also boosting the Force roster will be Reds lock Ben Matwijow, who will join the franchise after a stint in the ITM Cup with Taranaki. - news.com.au