Newcastle sign centre Shortland

Shortland has played in the NRL with Melbourne Storm

Newcastle Falcons have signed centre Ryan Shortland from New Zealand for the 2011/12 season.

The 25-year-old has experience of both league and union codes in his native country, latterly with Otago in the Air New Zealand Cup.

“He’s been scoring tries for the Waratahs A team and he’s recently been training with their first team,” said Falcons coach Alan Tait.

“He runs hard, he’s strong and Ryan is a great signing for the club.”