Wests Tigers have signed former New Zealand International Elijah Taylor from the Penrith Panthers the club announced on Monday afternoon.
The 26-year-old has been granted an immediate release from the Panthers and will join Wests Tigers training next week following his commitments with the NSW Residents side.
Taylor, primarily a backrower, will bolster the Tigers forward pack and has signed a contract for the remainder of the 2016 season.
Taylor has played a total of 106 NRL games as well as 10 Test matches for New Zealand.
"It's really good to be here at Wests Tigers," he said. "I can't wait to get into training and meet all of the boys next week.
"There is a good opportunity to play first grade football at the club, I haven't played a lot of first grade this year so I'm really looking forward to the opportunity.
"It's a really young squad with a lot of potential here at the club, you can see that with the natural talent and flair.
"I'm also looking forward to working with experienced players such as Robbie Farah and Aaron Woods, while also playing some good football with Wests Tigers."
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said that the addition of Taylor is a good one for the club.
"We are pleased to have a player of Elijah's calibre join Wests Tigers," Pascoe said. "It just shows the positive direction that this club is heading that we are able to attract a New Zealand International mid-season.
"It's a really positive sign for the Club and we are committed to building a really strong roster at Wests Tigers.
"We have initially signed Elijah for the remainder of the 2016 season but we look forward to developing a long-term relationship for him as the year progresses."
