South Sydney have moved quickly to add Matt McIlwrick to their roster before the NRL mid-season transfer deadline as a replacement for veteran rake Robbie Farah.
In what amounts as a swap with the joint venture, the Rabbitohs have signed McIlwrick until the end of the 2019 season to fill the back-up hooker role vacated by ex-Tigers captain.
Some had questioned the releasing of Farah in a season where the Rabbitohs have emerged as a genuine premiership threat after their seven-game winning streak.
However, the recruitment of McIlwrick, who's played 56 games across seven seasons in the NRL, gives the Rabbitohs another capable back-up for star hooker Damien Cook.
He's been made available for the Rabbitohs' round-18 clash with Canterbury.
Rabbitohs coach Anthony Seibold said McIlwrick's experience could prove invaluable.
"Also, his toughness and defence stand out for me and I think he will suit our style of football in attack," Seibold said on Friday.
"We're looking forward to working with him and we're certain he will slot straight into our squad for at least the back end of this season and next year as well."
The Rabbitohs are second in the league and face North Queensland on Sunday.
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