Epalahame Lauaki has signed a three-year deal with English club Hull FC. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey
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The New Zealand Warriors have granted an early release to forward Epalahame Lauaki, who has signed a three-year deal with British Super League club Hull FC.
The 25-year-old Tongan's arrival at the KC Stadium is subject to being granted an entry visa to the United Kingdom.
Hull officials
said they expected Lauaki to be granted a visa within 25 days after which he would fly immediately to England.
"Playing in the UK is something I have always wanted to do but I didn't want to come at the end of my career," Lauaki said in a statement.
"This is a new challenge and I am really excited by the move. I have always wanted the opportunity to play football in the Super League."
Lauaki, brother of All Blacks No 8 Sione, scored 10 tries in 69 appearances over four years for the Warriors.
He played two tests for New Zealand in 2007 and three for Tonga at the World Cup last year.
Hull head coach Richard Agar admitted he was excited about the arrival of Lauaki.
"He is an explosive and aggressive player and he will also add more size up front. Hame also has the ability to play a variety of roles and at his age he has his best football in front of him."
Lauaki's departure, two years before the end of his Warriors contract, may clear the way for the Auckland club to approach stranded New Zealand World Cup forward Greg Eastwood.
Eastwood, 21, was recently refused a UK work visa to play for Leeds in the Super League, reportedly because of a driving conviction.
- NZPA
