English Super League heavyweights Wigan Warriors have signed Burleigh Bears forward Joe Greenwood to a three-and-a-half year contract.
Greenwood, 25, played with the Intrust Super Cup's current premiership leaders through the start of the 2018 season, having played 22 NRL games with the Gold Coast Titans in 2017.
The Englishman did not play in last weekend's game between Burleigh and Northern Pride, but featured at prop the week before in a 42-20 win against Ipswich Jets.
In announcing his signing, Wigan said that Greenwood's size and experience would count in the club's favour as they try to catch current Super League pacesetters St Helens.
Coincidentally, Greenwood previously played for St Helens before coming to Australia.
"At 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 110kgs he is a big athlete who always caused us problems when he played for St Helens and I'm very excited to see him in a Wigan shirt," Warriors executive director and former international Kris Radlinski said.
"Joe is a great addition to our squad and we look forward to welcoming him here.
"We have not got an arrival date yet as Joe has to sort out a few things in Australia, but we anticipate that he will be with us towards the end of the month.
"We would like to thank Phil Moss from the Gold Coast Titans who helped us get this deal turned around and has been great to work with."
Titans coach Garth Brennan said the club wished Greenwood the best for the future and was certain the tough forward would be a success upon return to his home country.
Greenwood described Wigan as a "massive club" and told of his excitement at the opportunity.
"I am really pleased to have signed a long-term deal and to move on to the next chapter in my career," Greenwood said.
"I felt it was the right decision to make and a great opportunity for me.
"I can't wait to get over there and get stuck into the business end of the season."
Burleigh faces the Sunshine Coast Falcons at 2pm Sunday at Pizzey Park, straight after the Queensland Rangers v NSW Ron Massey Cup representative game, which kicks off at the same venue at noon.
