Club tee up Titans’ Tongan test prop Pulu

The Warriors are set to unveil their latest recruit.

It's understood Tongan international and Gold Coast forward Leivaha Pulu has agreed terms with the club, and will be part of the Warriors roster from 2018 onwards.

The powerful forward has been monitored by several Sydney clubs and the Titans were also said to be keen to hold on to the 27-year-old, after his impressive displays so far this season.

The 1.92m, 115kg Pulu has an impressive physical presence and has been one of the most improved players in the NRL this season, with his raw power and aggression.

Pulu is a late bloomer. He came through the Tigers farm system — a graduate of Keebra Park High School on the Gold Coast — but couldn't crack first grade at the Sydney club.

After a few years in the relative wilderness, including an off-season in France, he joined the Wyong Roos.

He spent three seasons at the New South Wales Central Coast club, culminating in a run to the 2015 NSW Cup final.

That form persuaded the Titans to take a chance on Pulu, and he was signed to a basic contract ahead of the 2016 season, before making his NRL debut in round one.

“Looking back, France was probably the turning point for me,” prop Pulu told the Herald last week.

“It made me realise how good it could be — all I did was play footy which was the first time that had happened in my life. That lit the fire.”

Pulu has more hunger than most, due to his convoluted journey to first grade. He has worked as a landscaper, forklift driver and a scaffolder during his time in Sydney so will do everything possible to succeed as a professional sportsman.

“I don't know if it makes me want it more but I've certainly done all kinds of jobs,” said Pulu. “I've been a jack of all trades . . . so it helps me understand how lucky I am to be a footballer.”

Pulu played 23 NRL matches last year and has been ever-present this year. He has averaged 50 minutes a match and crossed for two tries in the Titans's 16-12 victory over the Sharks in round eight.

Pulu and his wife were born in New Zealand (he moved to Australia when he was 16) and being closer to family is a big appeal of linking with the Warriors.