Kohe-Love signs for Hull

Kohe-Love was wanted by St Helens and Bradford Bulls

Hull have won the race to sign Warrington's New Zealand centre Toa Kohe-Love.

The 25-year-old, who had been targeted by St Helens and current Super League leaders Bradford Bulls, has signed a two-year contract.

"This is the most exciting signing for us since we snapped up Australian Test star Jason Smith for this season," said Hull chief executive Shane Richardson.

I know he has had a bit of a sketchy disciplinary record but that doesn't concern me

  Hull coach
Shaun McRae

"Top-class centres are scarce throughout the world and that is what we believe we have in Kohe-Love."

The Kiwi, who was joint top Super League try-scorer two years ago with Anthony Sullivan of St Helens on 28, has been at Warrington for six years since moving to England.

He played previously for Auckland Warriors and represented New Zealand Maoris in World Cup 2000, turning down a chance to play for England.

He is Hull's third major signing for the 2002 season, joining Australian forwards Craig Greenhill and Sean Ryan.

Kohe-Love has a Hull-born mother and was once an 11-year-old ball boy at the club.

Kohe-Love scored three tries on Sunday

"Toa is a quality player, coach Shaun McRae said.

"I know he has had a bit of a sketchy disciplinary record but that doesn't concern me.

"I feel some of it is frustration and I'm sure we will be able to sort out what are, to me, just minor problems."

Kohe-Love scored three tries for Warrington on Sunday as the Wolves virtually ended Castleford's hopes of qualifying for the Super League play-offs by beating them 27-12.