Powerhouse forward Ta’ai penned a two-year deal at York over the off-season, signing from Newcastle Thunder.

The veteran prop scored 13 tries across 34 appearances in two seasons for Newcastle, having spent the vast majority of his career in the Betfred Super League with Huddersfield Giants.

Ta’ai featured just short of 200 times for Huddersfield between 2013 and 2020, winning the League Leaders’ Shield in the Betfred Super League in his debut season at the John Smith’s Stadium.

The Tonga international, who has earned 10 caps for his nation, began his professional career with New Zealand Warriors, playing 52 times for the NRL club.