Hull FC have signed ex-Penrith and Parramatta utility back Will Smith until the end of the season.
The Indigenous All Stars representative, who can play in the halves, full-back and at hooker, will head to the UK with immediate effect subject to international clearance.
Smith, 30, will help fill the void left in Brett Hodgson’s side after they released Australian stand-off Josh Reynolds last month.
He has made 84 first-grade appearances since 2014, most recently with Gold Coast Titans whom he joined this season before leaving on compassionate grounds in June.
Smith played alongside current Hull forwards Manu Ma’u and Kane Evans at Parramatta.
As FC bid to push for the Super League play-offs, he said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to get back playing some footy at a high level and to try and help Hull FC get to the semi-finals.
“My priority recently had to be my family, but they understand my desire to get back playing and they have given me their blessing to head to Super League for the next few months.
“I have heard very good things about the club and the people there, I know both Manu and Kane very well, so I’m looking forward to lining up with those guys again and doing my bit for the team.
“It’s a talented group of players at Hull, they’ve been doing it really tough recently but hopefully I can bring something to the group and when we get a few more players back on the field we can have a real push for the finals.”
Hull head coach Brett Hodgson said: “We’re excited for Will to join us for the rest of the season, it isn’t often a player of his calibre comes available at this time of the year.
“He brings NRL pedigree and real versatility at an important stage of the season for us, especially at six, one and nine.
“It adds depth to our squad for the business end of the year and a player of good experience having represented the Indigenous All Stars, as well as being a senior leader at his previous clubs.
“He is competitive and energetic and is someone who has always put the team first wherever he has been, so we’re looking forward to him getting started.”
