NRL: Warriors sign Sharks centre

New Warriors centre Blake Ayshford. Photo / Getty

The Warriors have announced the signing of experienced centre Blake Ayshford from the the Cronulla Sharks on a two-year contract from 2016.

The 27-year-old accrued 20 NRL appearances for Cronulla over the past two seasons after previously playing 104 games for Wests Tigers between 2009 and 2013.

Warriors coach Andrew McFadden said Ayshford fits the club's needs as they look to add experienced players to bolster depth and improve levels of professionalism ahead of next year's campaign.

"We're undergoing a thorough process of reshaping our NRL squad for next year and beyond," said McFadden.

"While we're always seeking to create depth and competition, we have also identified the need for more experienced and durable players with the level of professionalism we're after.

"Blake will bring those qualities to the club. He has been on the NRL scene for several seasons now and has demonstrated just what we need from our signings."

A product of the NYC's foundation season in 2008, Ayshford has generally been used in the centres during his career but also has some NRL experience on the wing, at standoff and loose forward.

He played in two finals campaigns with the Tigers in 2010 and 2011 including the play-off the Warriors won 22-20 en route to making the 2011 grand final.

BLAKE AYSHFORD

Date of Birth: April 15, 1988
Birthplace: Sydney, Australia
Junior Clubs: Paddington Tigers, Coogee Wombats
Position: Centre
Height: 190cm
Weight: 100kg
Rep Honours: Nil
NRL Debut: Wests Tigers v Brisbane, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, May 22, 2009 (Round 1)
NRL Career: 124 appearances, 2009-2015
Wests Tigers: 104 appearances, 2009-2013
Cronulla: 20 appearances, 2014-2015
NRL Points: 136 (34 tries)