Clive Griffiths admits he moved quickly to re-sign Tongan ace Latu Makaafi.
The 31-year-old back-rower has returned to Castle Park two seasons after moving from the Knights to local rivals Rotherham Titans back in 2012.
A string of impressive performances for the Titans saw the forward snapped up by Championship side Jersey RFC where he battled back from a broken jaw to make 20 competitive appearances for the Islanders in 2013-14.
But with Makaafi’s family moving back to Yorkshire, Knights director of rugby Griffiths moved quickly to snap up the powerful Tonga international on a one-year deal.
“When the opportunity to sign Latu arose we were very keen to take it,” said the Welshman.
“We are welcoming a very experienced Championship player with a tough uncompromising attitude to the game into the squad.
“He’s a player who is capable across the back row but can also do a devastating job in midfield which gives us some flexibility if needed but we’ve signed him predominantly as a back row forward.”
Griffiths went on: “Latu having been here before was a big factor in our decision to sign him.
“He was well liked here last time and represented the club with distinction.
“It is important that we sign players with a feel and attachment to the club, Bevon [Armitage] is another example of that.”
Makaafi added:“I’m really looking forward to this season, I enjoyed my last spell here in Doncaster and have lots of good memories.”