Canterbury have signed hooker Sione Katoa to a two-year NRL deal after the club missed out on Api Koroisau.

Katoa was deemed surplus at Penrith after the Panthers snuck under the Bulldogs’ guard to snare Koroisau last month.

Katoa will now battle it out with Jeremy Marshall-King, who on Thursday signed a two-year contract extension, for the Bulldogs’ No.9 jersey.

“We are delighted to be able to add someone of the calibre of Sione to our forward pack in the knowledge that he will provide both experience and quality,” Bulldogs CEO Andrew Hill said.

“We have continued to look to add depth in all positions and the hooking role is a crucial part of that.

“With the emergence of Jeremy Marshall-King as one of the most promising emerging players in the NRL, we are pleased to have been able to complement his development.”

Katoa made 47 appearances for the Panthers over the last four years as well as playing nine Tests for Mate Ma’a Tonga.