The Warriors have completed the signing of Tongan international Ben Murdoch-Masila.

The powerful forward, who is currently playing for the Warrington Wolves in the Super League, will join the club from next season on a three-year deal.

Murdoch-Masila, who was born in Auckland, is returning to New Zealand after spending the last five years playing in the UK.

The 29-year-old was with the Salford Red Devils between 2016 and 2017, then spent the last three years with the Warrington Wolves.

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Prior to that he played 53 games for Wests Tigers in the NRL from 2010 to 2013 and then had two years at the Panthers, although he only played six games during his time at the foot of the Blue Mountains.

GETTY IMAGES Murdoch-Masila has played a key part in Tonga's rise in international rugby league.

It would be fair to say that when he left the NRL, he wasn't a player held in high regard and had been involved in off-field issues.

However, since moving to the Super League he has been able to show his qualities as a footy player and he has also found a better balance in his life after starting a family.

At 186cm and 120kg, he'll be able to give the Warriors some real impact up the middle.

On defence, he never takes a step backwards, while on attack he's a formidable ball runner who's hard to bring down and is deceptively quick.

Having played for the Junior Kiwis in his younger days, he went on to be a key part of Tonga's rise as a powerhouse of international rugby league and set up the try for the nation's win over the Kiwis at the 2017 World Cup.

Warriors recruitment manager Peter O'Sullivan said signing Murdoch-Masila is big for the club.

"Ben is right up among the best forwards in the game right now and he had plenty of clubs trying to sign him," O'Sullivan said.

"It's a huge signing for us, one we couldn't be happier with.

"Ben always had enormous potential and has now matured into a total professional. He'll be a real asset to have back in the NRL."

With the arrival of Murdoch-Masila, the recent signing of Jamayne Taunoa-Brown and the departure of Sam Lisone to the Titans, it signals something of a changing of the guard for the Warriors' forward pack.

Murdoch-Masila said he'd enjoyed his years at Wolves, but decided it was time to move on.

"Over the three years that I've been here we have had pretty much the same squad so we are really close," Murdoch-Masila told the Warrington Wolves website.

"I will definitely miss the boys. I will miss the fans too and the atmosphere they create for us; it is unreal, the passion they share with us in the good and bad times.

"I've always left the door open for the opportunity of an NRL comeback though. My daughter has spent her life here and all she knows is the Wire. When this opportunity came around I couldn't say no to taking her home to meet mine and Roxy's families.

"I want to thank all at the club for what they have done for not only me but for my wife and daughter too. They've gone above and beyond for us and after a tough first two seasons for me, and a not so good start, I will do whatever it takes to help repay what the Wire has done for me and do my best for the remainder of the year. To be remembered as the Tongan beast."

As for this year's roster with the Warriors, there is one space available and there was some hope that Murdoch-Masila could come to the Warriors this year, but he will see out the final year of his contract with Warrington.

The are looking at who else to bring in, with the focus being on someone who is an experienced player. While there is interest in Jack Murchie from the Raiders, it's likely he'd only join the club if someone else on the roster moves on.