Newcastle Thunder have added a significant edge to their attack for the rest of the 2019 season, with Samoan international back Matthew Wright joining until the end of the season.

Joining from Intrust Super Cup side Central Queensland Capras, Wright has been capped seven times for his country and brings over 100 games worth of NRL experience through stints with Cronulla Sharks, North Queensland Cowboys and Manly Sea Eagles.

Born in Auckland; Wright was selected to play for the Australian Schoolboys in 2008 and progressed through the Penrith Panthers junior systems where an impressive showing for the club’s NYC team earned him his first three year contact with the Sharks.

Standing at 6ft 4in and weighing in at 15st, Wright it adept in a range of positions across the park and will provide Thunder with options at fullback, wing, centre and hooker.

The 28-year-old is set to arrive on Tyneside mid-June and will add further quality to the Thunder side for the second half of the 2019 Betfred League 1 season.

Speaking about his new signing, Thunder head coach Simon Finnigan said: “Matthew is going to add strike and competition to our outside backs. He is an experienced player who will fit in very well into our group.

Newcastle Thunder are next in action at Kingston Park Stadium on Sunday 16th June when they take on Betfred League 1 leaders Whitehaven in a 3pm kick off.