Wests Tigers have thrown an NRL lifeline to back-rower Cory Paterson and added former Australian Schoolboy Blake Austin to their roster for the 2014 NRL season.
Paterson, who has bravely fought a high-profile battle with depression, is currently with Hull KR in the European Super League and will join the Tigers on a one-year deal next year.
Former Penrith playmaker Austin has signed with the joint venture for two years.
Coach Mick Potter said both players would be important additions to the club's NRL squad.
"At 22, Blake is a player with plenty of potential. He has a wide range of skills and his utility value will add plenty of depth to the squad," Potter said in a statement.
"He can cover centre, half, five-eighth and lock and is also an excellent goal kicker.
"Cory is a big strapping back-rower who can break the line and also offload the ball. He is an experienced NRL player who still has plenty to offer.
"He is playing very well for Hull KR but his wife is extremely homesick. Cory is coming back for a chance to re-establish himself in the NRL. His experience will be invaluable to some of our younger back-rowers."
Former Newcastle and North Queensland back-rower Paterson, 26, has played 101 NRL games.
Austin spent three seasons with Penrith from 2011 and has played 15 NRL games.
The acquisitions come on top of last week's announcement from the Tigers of the signings of boom youngsters Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses on four-year deals to cover for the loss of playmaker Benji Marshall, who is expected to join Auckland-based Super Rugby franchise The Blues.
NSW Cup hooker Joel Luani inked a two-year deal as a potential back-up for captain Robbie Farah.
While veteran Dean Halatau has also joined the Tigers for the next two seasons.
