Tookey heads to London Broncos

London Broncos have signed the first new addition to the playing roster for 2005 as well as secure the signature of assistant coach Rohan Smith.

Giant prop forward Mark Tookey, who spent the later stages of this season with Castleford Tigers, has agreed to a two-year deal with London.

Broncos coach Tony Rea is excited about what the explosive prop will bring to Griffin Park: ?He?s big, powerful and experienced.?

We became interested in Mark when he made such an impact in the NRL play-offs and I was impressed by the way he adapted to the Super League this year.?

He?s an explosive player and he?ll do a great job for us. It?s a busy period for us right now and the squad we are assembling is starting to take good shape. There will be more players announced in the coming days.?

The steamrolling forward began his professional career at a club aptly named South Queensland ?Crushers? in 1996, where he played alongside former Broncos Mat Toshack and Steele Retchless. He then spent two seasons with Parramatta Eels before joining New Zealand Warriors in 2000.

Tookey was a part of the Warriors history making team which featured in three consecutive finals series. He was an integral part of the New Zealand revival which saw the Warriors make their first ever finals campaign in 2001. The Warriors then won the minor premiership in 2002 and lost to Sydney Roosters in the Grand Final.

Rohan Smith spent time with Tookey at New Zealand and rates the big forward highly: ?He can be one of the most damaging players in the world.?

?I?m delighted that I have also penned a new deal with the club having really enjoyed our time here this season. It?s an exciting period for all associated with the Broncos right now.?