League: McKinnon to become a Warrior

The New Zealand Warriors have signed Parramatta fullback Wade McKinnon on a three-year deal, the National Rugby League (NRL) club confirmed today.

McKinnon, 25, replaces the in-form Brent Webb who leaves for English Super League club Leeds at the end of the season.

McKinnon, who joined Parramatta from South Sydney in 2004, will join the Warriors this year, already boasting some of the best statistics for a fullback.

He leads the competition in most runs from fullback, the best gains in kick-returns averaging 72 metres a game, and the most tackle breaks.

McKinnon, who has played 70 NRL games, said he was lured across the Tasman by the prospect of playing with two of the competition's top props.

"I'm excited about moving to Auckland to play alongside guys like Steve Price and Ruben Wiki," McKinnon said.

"I think the Warriors have huge potential. That's been seen by the way they've been playing lately."

- NZPA