SAM Burgess has made his first signing for Warrington Wolves.

The Wire's new head coach for 2024 has snared explosive Papua New Guinea international centre Rodrick Tai - who Wolves fans may recall playing at The Halliwell Jones Stadium during the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

The 24-year-old has signed a 12-month contract for next season, with a club option for a further year.

Tai scored two tries at The Halliwell Jones Stadium during the Kumuls’ group stage win over Cook Islands, with one of his efforts being a spectacular long-range effort.

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS OF RODRICK TAI, INCLUDING HIS 2021 RLWC TRIES AT THE HJ:

He has represented the PNG Hunters in the Queensland Cup and spent time this season in an NRL environment developing his game with the Dolphins.

Tai can't wait to return to the town where he and his PNG teammates were based for the World Cup.

“I’m very excited. It’s a huge move for me to be joining a great club in Warrington," said Tai

“Sam [Burgess] called me and said there’s an opportunity. Even him calling was huge for me!

"I’m looking forward now to giving my all in pre-season, working hard and playing my part next year.

“During the World Cup with PNG we stayed in Warrington so there’ll be some familiarities there for me.

"It was a great experience for us Kumuls, and myself and my family can’t wait to come back over to the town.”

Warrington Wolves director of rugby Gary Chambers, who is also interim head coach, added: “With Rodrick we’ve got an explosive and dynamic centre who can break lines and is a threat with the ball.

“He’s played at international level and to get someone of his calibre coming to us at the right age is going to add the right value to what we’re building. He’s an exciting proposition for us.”

Burgess added: “I’m very excited that Rodrick is joining us at Warrington.

“He has been fantastic in the Queensland Cup this year and also when representing PNG in recent years.”