Former Whitehaven half-back Nikau Williams has joined Newcastle for the 2023 season.
The 22-year-old Kiwi spent two years with Haven and was an ever-present last season.
In 31 games he kicked 47 goals and went over for nine tries.
Before he signed for Whitehaven, Williams had a good grounding in Australia playing for Newtown Jets in the New South Wales Cup as well as with the Under-20’s sides of Canterbury Bulldogs and Melbourne Storm.
He said after signing: “There have been some big changes at the club and I expect Newcastle to be challenging next season.”
The changes he referred to include the decision for the club to go back to part-time and for ex-Workington coach Chris Thorman to take over the team.
Thorman, back on home ground at Newcastle said: “Nikau was always a thorn in our side when we played Whitehaven.
“He’s durable and not missing a game last season is a fair claim for a Championship half-back.
“He’s tough, he’s capable, he defends well and he’s willing to put himself in where it hurts, which is one of the things I like most about him.
“The key attributes you want to see in a half-back are the ability to guide his side around the field and to kick the ball, two things he does well.
“He’s a good organiser and a good communicator and I think if we can get the right people around him, we can take him on even more.”
