The Canberra Raiders have continued to bolster depth in their forwards, agreeing to terms with Parramatta prop Junior Paulo on a two-year deal from 2017.
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Paulo, 22, has played 43 games with the Eels since making his first-grade debut in 2013.
The New Zealand-born, former NSW under-20s representative tips the scales at 119kg and will provide plenty of punch in the middle of the field.
The Raiders cannot comment on the deal until the 10-day cooling off period expires.
A contract signed with a rival club will be registered 10 business days after it has been signed, a rule that was brought in when the controversial "round 13" rule was scrapped last year.
Paulo joins an already impressive Raiders forward pack which put in a strong performance in last week's 30-22 victory against the Penrith Panthers at Canberra Stadium.
The Raiders already have Country Origin representatives Shannon Boyd and Paul Vaughan, Frank-Paul Nuuausala and veteran Jeff Lima in their front-row rotation.
Last year's Mal Meninga Medallist Sia Soliola came off the bench to spend time in the middle, while the likes of Knights recruit Joseph Tapine and Mitch Barnett are pushing for first-grade spots in the NSW Cup.
The Raiders have also dismissed speculation winger Sisa Waqa could ask for an early release from his contract to play rugby union in France.
Reports emerged last week that the former Melbourne Storm flyer could leave the Raiders to take up a lucrative deal in the 15-a-side game overseas.
But the Raiders have no intention of releasing Waqa from his contract this season as he provides valuable depth in the backline.
Waqa has been left out of the side for the opening two rounds, but was close to playing last week when he was warming up with the Raiders as cover for captain Jarrod Croker.
Waqa can leave the Raiders at the end of this season, but has an option in his favour for next year, which will be triggered if he plays a certain number of games.
After playing in 21 of a possible 24 games in his first season with the Raiders last year, Waqa has been left out of the side in favour of Jordan Rapana for the opening two rounds.
The Raiders have re-signed a host of key players, including Blake Austin, Josh Papalii, Shannon Boyd, Jack Wighton and Josh Hodgson.
Recruitment has also been strong bringing in Aidan Sezer, Elliott Whitehead, Adam Clydsdale and Lima this season.
The next priority is to extend the contract of Soliola after his terrific debut season with the club last year.
Other prominent players off contract at the end of this year are halfback Sam Williams and back-up hooker Kurt Baptiste.
