Wests Tigers are pleased to announce the signing of experienced forward Joel Edwards on a two-year deal.

The 27-year-old has played 88 NRL games since making his debut for Newcastle in 2010 - playing three seasons at the Knights before moving to the Canberra Raiders in 2013.

The back rower has signed on with Wests Tigers until the end of 2017 and will further strengthen the depth of talent amongst the first grade squad.

After three seasons with the Raiders, the Cessnock Goannas junior said he is keen to start the next stage of his rugby league career with Wests Tigers.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to join Wests Tigers,” Edwards said.

“It’s a great Club and I’m looking forward to working under JT (Jason Taylor).

“Hopefully I can complement the side nicely and grow with the team.

“It’s a young squad but I’m really excited to work with the boys and hopefully help the Club get into the top eight next year.

“I’m from Cessnock originally and I went down to Canberra after my time with the Knights, so I’m looking forward to a bit of a change and placing myself here in Concord.

“It’s a great opportunity to come into a young, exciting team with a lot of potential.”

Wests Tigers Head Coach Jason Taylor said Edwards will be a welcome addition to the Club.

“Joel is a great acquisition for us and I’m confident that he will complement our current squad well,” Taylor said. “He has played close to 100 first grade games so he brings a good level of experience into our team.

“I’m looking forward to working with Joel once pre-season training commences in November.”

Player Profile: Joel Edwards

Date of Birth: 17th July, 1988

Height: 185cm

Weight: 100kg

Position: Second Row, Lock, Prop

Junior Club: Cessnock Goannas

Previous Clubs: Newcastle Knights (2010-2012), Canberra Raiders (2013-15)

FG Debut: Knights v Eels (Rd 15, 2010, Hunter Stadium)

2016 Recruits:

Josh Addo-Carr (Cronulla Sharks), Michael Chee-Kam (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles), Joel Edwards (Canberra Raiders), Justin Hunt (St. George-Illawarra Dragons), Jack Littlejohn (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles), Jesse Parahi (Australian Rugby), Jordan Rankin (Hull FC).