SEA Swift Northern Pride head coach Jason Demetriou has continued his recruitment drive for 2014 with the exciting signing of prop Latu Fifita on a one-year deal.
Fifita, 26, who is the older brother of New South Wales and Kangaroos star Andrew, joins from NSW Cup side North Sydney Bears and will link up with his new teammates when pre-season begins on November 18.
Hes trying to follow a similar path as his brother into the NRL, and he certainly has the same physical attributes as Andrew, Demetriou said.
He wants to come up here and do really well, and hopefully open up some doors for himself into the NRL.
Hes a prop or second-rower who is very strong, carries the ball well and regularly dents the line.
Its a big change for Latu, and hell need to get himself physically and mentally ready, but Im in no doubt whatsoever that hes going to be a great success for us.
Im really excited that hes joining the Pride and our fans can expect to see a guy who is determined to help us achieve our goals for next season.
Demetriou said he first heard about Fifita when former NSW Origin star Scott Hill, who is Fifitas manager, came up to help mentor the Pride players last season.
Scott explained that Latu is determined to further his career and sees the Pride as the perfect place for him to achieve that, Demetriou said.
I think thats a great compliment to everyone associated with the club that we can attract these higher-profile players to Barlow Park.
Fifita, who is 190cm tall and weighs 115kg, is a Balmain junior and has also played NSW Cup for Western Suburbs Magpies.
Demetriou also revealed that he had locked in other key forwards for his sides 2014 Intrust Super Cup tilt, including Alex Starmer, Aidan Smith, Ben Spina and Noel Underwood.
As soon as last season finished, I made it a priority to make sure these boys were ready to go around again next year, he said.
Theyre outstanding leaders, as well as footballers, and set a great example to the other lads.
Theyre also all very popular with the Pride fans, and its great to secure them for 2014.
Prides Intrust Super Cup squad will start preparations for next season when they meet at an induction day in Cairns on November 16, before officially starting pre-season training on November 18.
