Kiwi Paul Whatuira has signed for Huddersfield on a three-year contract, the English Super League club said today.
Whatuira, 26, is off-contract with National Rugby League Club the Wests Tigers at the end of this season and had been mulling over his options in recent months.
The Tigerswere keen to keep him, but were unable to make an offer for next year because of salary cap restrictions, and one possibility for the centre was a switch to Super 14 rugby.
Huddersfield coach Jon Sharp was delighted at Whatuira's decision to join the Giants.
"To sign a player like this is awesome for the club," he told the Huddersfield website.
"He had the choice of a number of clubs on both sides of the world and the fact he chose us speaks volumes about our current standing in the game. This is fantastic news."
Chairman Ken Davy said Whatuira's age meant he would be arriving at Huddersfield at his prime.
"This makes it wonderful news for the fans and creates a mouthwatering prospect for our 2008 season."
Wellington-born Whatuira, who has 10 test caps, made his NRL debut with the then Auckland Warriors in 2000.
He went on to win two premierships, with Penrith in 2003 and the Tigers in 2005.
He said he had been in discussion with several NRL and Super League clubs over the past few weeks and he liked what he saw at Huddersfield.
"Having been fortunate enough to have won two NRL titles, my ambition is to be part of an ambitious Super League club that, like me, has ambitions to win trophies and championships," he said.
"I see this in the Giants and hope to be part of their future success."
Huddersfield are lying sixth in the 12-team Super League and in firm contention for the playoffs with four rounds to go.
