Experienced centre Blake Ayshford is joining the Vodafone Warriors on a two-year contract for the 2016 and 2017 NRL seasons.
The 27-year-old counts 124 NRL appearances in total so far, 104 for Wests Tigers from 2009 to 2013 and 20 for the Sharks in the last two seasons.
Vodafone Warriors head coach Andrew McFadden said Ayshford had all the qualities the club was after as it continues to realign its NRL squad.
“We’re undergoing a thorough process of reshaping our NRL squad for next year and beyond,” he said.
“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 Vodafone 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)
