York City Knights have announced the signing of Pauli Pauli from Betfred Super League club Salford Red Devils, subject to VISA.

27-year-old Pauli joins the Knights as they prepare for a big 2022 and, after representing the Combined Nations All-Stars this year, the powerful forward will be keen to make his mark in our Betfred Championship campaign.

Standing at 6 foot 4 inches tall and weighing in around 130kg, the 27-year-old represented the Combined Nations All-Stars in their win against England earlier this year.

With 48 NRL appearances to his name from spells with Parramatta Eels and Newcastle Knights between 2014 and 2017, New South Wales-born Pauli has considerable experience at the top level, with those spells preceding his move to England.

Starting his career in the Betfred Super League with Wakefield Trinity in 2018, he spent over two seasons with the Mobile Rocket Stadium club. In the second year, he had a short spell on loan at Salford Red Devils before joining the 2019 Betfred Super League Grand Finalists for 2020 after finishing the season with Wakefield.

🎟️ With four different Season Membership packages for 2022, there really is something for everyone next season with the Knights!

🙌 Book your seat to see the Knights and new signing Pauli Pauli in action 🙌#WeAreYork⚔️ pic.twitter.com/WtEU6GhKtR

— York City Knights⚔️ (@YorkKnightsRLFC) October 26, 2021

During his time in the UK, Pauli has made almost eighty appearances, including a try-scoring appearance for Salford in their 2020 Challenge Cup defeat to Leeds Rhinos and Head Coach James Ford couldn’t hide his delight at bringing the Australian to the LNER Community Stadium.

“Pauli is someone I’m really looking forward to working with and I’m keen to help him play at the very top of his game.

“He’s a big, intimidating man who will add another dimension to our game in attack and defence.

“I’ve spoken to a number of people about Pauli and there was a unanimous opinion that he’s a player I’d enjoy working with.

“He is keen to work hard at his game and that was something that really drew me towards him.”

With the recruitment of Pauli, Knights Chairman Jon Flatman further highlighted the importance of the Squad Builder fund.

“The fact we are able to bring people like Pauli Pauli to the club is, in no small part, down to the role of Squad Builder. The difference it makes is vast, as shown by the calibre of player it has helped us recruit, not just in this instance but across our whole 2022 squad.

“Anyone who wants to get involved with it, this sort of signing is what you can help us achieve. I hope fans enjoy seeing Pauli playing in Knights colours next season at the LNER Community Stadium!”