Salford Red Devils have announced the signing of former Hull KR skipper Michael Dobson on a four-year contract.
The 28-year-old Australian scrum-half will return for a fourth stint in Super League in 2015 after previously making his mark with Catalan Dragons, Wigan Warriors and Hull KR.
“I’m really excited to be joining a great squad next season and I’m looking forward to a new challenge at the Devils,” Dobson said
Dobson is Salford’s third confirmed major signing for 2015 following the capture of New Zealand Test full-back Kevin Locke and Leeds Rhinos winger or full-back Ben Jones-Bishop.
Locke is now due to arrive by the end of the month after Red Devils owner Marwan Koukash secured his early release from the New Zealand Warriors.
Koukash said: “Michael’s arrival will give us four fantastic half-backs at our club, easily the strongest in Super League.
“He will join Rangi Chase, Theo Fages and Marc Sneyd to give us options that the rest of the competition will be eyeing enviously.”
Dobson burst onto the Super League scene in 2006 when, as a budding prospect at Canberra, he was loaned to the Catalans as a replacement for the injured Stacey Jones before securing a move to Wigan.
He returned to the Raiders in 2007 but enjoyed his best rugby as a Hull KR player from 2008-13 and was named in the Super League Dream Team in 2009 and 2010. He also played for the Exiles against England last summer.
Dobson returned to Australia at the end of last season after clinching a 12-month contract with Newcastle but has struggled to force his way into the Knights team.
Salford coach Iestyn Harris said: “We have been impressed with Michael’s enthusiasm for what we are trying to do at Salford. He is obviously a terrific talent and his work ethic and excellent kicking game will add some real value to our existing strong squad.
“A number of big-name clubs really wanted him next season so I am delighted we have secured his services. He’s going to bring a great deal of organisational and inspirational play to our line-up and his partnership with the three halves we already have will be one of the most exciting ones in the competition.”