Utility Peta Hiku will play for a third NRL club while backrower Matiu Love-Henry is returning to the Warriors where he played two seasons in Under-20s as the Auckland-based club beefs up its playing roster for 2018.

For Hiku it is also a sort of homecoming as he played in the Warriors 20s team in 2012 before making his NRL debut with Manly in 2013. He then signed with Penrith in 2016 before being released by the western Sydney club to play for the Warrington Wolves in the UK Super League.

It has been a full-on week for Hiku already. He was named in the Kiwis’ World Cup squad before being released by the Wolves so he could sign for the next three years with the Warriors.

Love-Henry, who played 32 Under-20s games for the Warriors in 2014-15, has signed a one-year deal.

He returns home after two years with the Brisbane Broncos where he played for the Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup.

Warriors chief executive Cameron George said Hiku offered not only international experience but also a background in both the NRL and the Super League.

“Another benefit is the working relationship he has with Stephen Kearney through his time with the Kiwis,” George said of Hiku has played nine Tests for New Zealand.

“Matiu didn’t manage to break into the NRL with Brisbane, but Stephen was impressed with his development and attitude when he was (assistant coach) at the Broncos.”

Hiku is the fourth Kiwi international the Warriors have secured for 2018 joining Adam Blair (Broncos), second rower Tohu Harris (Melbourne) and backline utility Gerard Beale (Cronulla).

Hiku can play fullback, wing, or centre and during his time with the Sea Eagles he shone in all three scoring 28 tries in 60 games.