The Parramatta Eels Rugby League Club has signed Penrith Panthers centre Waqa Blake on a four-and-half year contract commencing this week and concluding at the end of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership season.

The powerful centre made his NRL debut with the Panthers in 2015 and has since scored 34 tries in 88 first grade appearances, finishing 2018 as the leading try scorer for his Club.

Parramatta Eels Head Coach Brad Arthur said he was looking forward to welcoming Waqa to Parramatta.

“It’s pleasing to have landed a quality player in Waqa as we head towards the business end of the season. We want to ensure that we complement our playing squad with strong acquisitions and Waqa certainly fits the criteria we are looking for."

In 2015 Waqa was selected for NSW City Origin squad and made his international debut for Fiji in 2017.