Fiji ace Akuila Uate confirms move to Super League

Manly Sea Eagles star Akuila Uate is set to join Huddersfield Giants on a lucrative three-year deal from 2019.

The Fiji international has confirmed this year would be his last in the NRL after being told by Manly that he would have to leave due to salary cap issues.

Love Rugby League understands a long-term deal is the main reason for him making the switch to Super League.

Huddersfield have beaten several NRL sides to the signature of Uate and the 30-year-old will be Simon Woolford’s first signing at the Giants.

Uate confirmed that he will be making the switch to Super League next year.

He told NRL.com: “I’ve recently signed overseas, I’m excited now because it’s about my family and we’re starting that move from next year.

“I’ve let the boys know that I’ll be leaving at the end of the year. There’s no hard feelings there, at the end of the day, they’ve made the decision for me to move on.

“I’d love to stay (at Manly) but I’ve got to look to the future for my three kids.

“The salary cap stuff hasn’t helped. There were offers here to stay (in the NRL) but I think I’ve done enough in this game now and I’m grateful for what it has done for me.”

The winger or centre has scored 129 tries in 200 NRL appearances for Newcastle Knights and Manly. He has also earned 17 caps for Fiji, scoring 13 tries.