Steve Rapira: New Zealand Warriors confirm Salford move

Steve Rapira will leave New Zealand Warriors to join Salford next season, the NRL club have confirmed.

The 24-year-old utility forward will sign a two-year contract with the Super League side, who will be rebranded as Salford Red Devils in 2014.

Rapira has not played since April because of a serious knee problem.

"I'm looking forward to testing myself in England, getting myself right and playing football again," he told the Warriors' website.

"While I haven't played as much football as I would have liked here, I love it at this club. It's been a great experience."

Rapira began his career at Queensland Cowboys and joined New Zealand Warriors at the start of the 2011 season, although a successions of injuries have limited him to just 14 appearances in his three years with the club.

Salford, who have also agreed deals for and Francis Meli, are expected to unveil a number of new signings at a special event on Thursday, 5 September.