Isa played for Penrith Panthers before Melbourne Storm

Castleford Tigers have signed Samoa Test international centre or winger Willie Isa on a one-year-deal.

The 21-year-old joins from former NRL champions Melbourne Storm and will arrive in the UK in early January.

Tigers coach Terry Matterson said: "With the sudden retirement of James Evans it was important that we strengthened in the centre positions.

"He has a good reputation down under and at 21 years of age he has the world at his feet."

Matterson continued: "He reminds me of two years ago when we signed a young 22-year-old who had only played a handful of NRL games. That was Rangi Chase and he's turned out to be a magnificent signing.

"He is a very strong and allusive centre who will bring some genuine speed to our backline."

Isa was a member of the 2010 Samoa squad and made his Test debut against New Zealand in October.

I want to play well for Castleford and do all I can to achieve success there Willie Isa

Speaking from his home in Melbourne, he said: "My coach at Melbourne Storm Craig Bellamy speaks highly of Terry [Matterson] and I've heard a lot of good things so I'm pretty excited about working with him at Castleford.

"I can guarantee that I will do my best for the players and fans at the club. The fans pay a lot of money to come to games and I will be out there doing my best for them every game.

"I'm not going there to take it easy, I've signed a one-year deal and it's a chance to impress. More importantly I want to play well for Castleford and do all I can to achieve success there.

"I've been doing pre-season with Melbourne and I'll keep that up until I leave for Castleford."

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