Cook Islands international bolsters Newcastle’s pack

Cook Islands international Carne Doyle-Manga has joined Newcastle on a two-year contract.

Doyle-Manga arrives at Thunder from Queensland Cup outfit North Devils, where he made 22 appearances as the club failed to make the play-off qualification stage for the Cup.

Doyle-Manga played Under-20 level for NRL sides Newcastle Knights and Canberra Raiders, before representing New Zealand Maori in 2016.

Performances for Tweed Heads Seagulls earned him a first professional cap for the Cook Islands against Papua New Guinea in 2017.

On signing Doyle-Manga, Newcastle coach Jason Payne said: “I am delighted that Carne will be joining Newcastle Thunder for the coming season.

“He is a special player who has been doing great things in the Queensland Cup in Australia and who has also spent time with New Zealand Warriors and Sydney Roosters.

“He is a fantastic person who will fit straight into the team, he is respectful, hard-working and hungry to succeed. All attributes that I look for when bringing new players to this club.

“His talent on a rugby field is undeniable and I’m sure he will be a real fans’ favourite with the Thunder fans, his hard running, uncompromising style of play is something that has always been well received in the North East.”

On his move to England, Doyle-Manga commented: “I can’t thank Newcastle Thunder enough for giving me this opportunity.

“It’s my first time in the UK, and I have only heard good things about the places for people.

“I’m really happy that my partner Emily is coming over with me, I’m truly grateful and blessed to have her, along with my family and her family backing us all the way.

“I am not the person to talk about myself and what I can do, but hopefully my actions on the field can show what I can add to the team as I work on myself to be better on and off the field and to be content with who I am and what I know.”