KAHU SADDLES UP WITH COWBOYS
THE North Queensland Cowboys have signed Jordan Kahu to a one-year deal.
Kahu has been brought into the squad after Ben Barba was sensationally sacked at the start of this month.
Kahu’s wife Jess said it had been a stressful time for the family but she was proud of his decision.
“Could not be happier for you,” she wrote on social media yesterday afternoon.
“What an opportunity! So proud of you and everything you do for our family. As stressed as this time has been I know this year will be amazing, life is what you make it after all.”
The mother of Kahu’s two children has also pledged her support to his new team, adding “Up the Cowboys!”.
His Broncos teammates also took to social media to wish him luck.
Last week young North Queensland playmaker Jake Clifford said having Kahu in the Cowboys No. 1 jersey would be a good addition to the team.
Kahu has played 95 NRL games over six seasons since debuting for the Broncos in 2013, scoring 42 tries.
He has also made nine appearances for New Zealand and played on the wing for the Maori All Stars in last Friday’s showdown with the Indigenous All Stars.
Coach Paul Green said to pick up a player of Kahu’s ability and experience at this stage of the pre-season was a massive bonus.
“He gives us depth at a number of positions, he’s a very good centre and he’s played wing and fullback as well,” Green said.
“His goal kicking ability is the added bonus on top of everything else he offers.”
Director of Football Peter Parr said the club acted swiftly once Kahu became available.
“Jordan is an exceptionally good player, he can play in a number of positions … so he ticks a lot of boxes,” he said.
“We were prepared to be patient, but when it became apparent to us that signing Jordan was a real possibility we felt no need to wait and wanted to act straight away.”
Broncos CEO Paul White said the well-liked Kahu would be missed at Red Hill.
“We wish Jordan and his family all the best in what will be a new and exciting opportunity for them,” White said.
“He has always been an exemplary member of our club and been a wonderful representative of the Broncos both on and off the field.
“It is sad for the Broncos to see him depart Brisbane, but he will always be welcome back here at the club.”
Kahu is in line to face his former club when the Cowboys take on the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium in Round 2 on March 22.