Wiremu Parker, 20, yesterday formally agreed to a one-year contract with the Lions, with club president and sports commentator Jason Costigan personally signing the Taranaki prop during a trip across the Tasman, to broadcast the NBL game between the New Zealand Breakers and the Hunter Pirates.

"It was a hit-and-run mission that proved successful," said Costigan, who secured Parker's signature with the assistance of an interpreter, before family and friends in his hometown of Waitara.

"The scouting reports suggested we had to get Wiremu and I'm sure he'll prove to be a fine acquisition."

In 2003, Parker played 15 matches for the Taranaki Wildcats in New Zealand's Bartercard Cup competition, where his performances caught the eye of Ackland, arguably the nation's leading talent scout.

"John Ackland has previously recommended players like Sonny Bill Williams to the Bulldogs, so I certainly value his opinions and views on the game," Costigan said.

"Wiremu's on-field attributes are many but we're also told that he's a solid citizen and that's important in a country town like Mittagong."

Costigan admitted some communication problems would arise upon Parker's arrival but he remained confident that his star recruit would prove a popular figure at the Lions and in the wider community.

"I don't think there is one person at our club who knows sign language, so perhaps now is a good time to learn the basics," said Costigan, who's already purchased an 'alphabet card' to help in his dialogue with Parker.

"Obviously, he's played at a good level before, despite his disability, so I don't think it'll be a major issue."

The powerhouse forward is expected to arrive in Australia on February 11, almost seven weeks before his new club's first-up premiership fixture against the Goulburn Stockmen at Goulburn's Workers Arena.