Newcastle have bolstered their forward stocks by signing towering big man Pauli Pauli on a two-year NRL deal.

Parramatta released Pauli on Friday from the final two years of his contract, paving the way for him to move to the Hunter.

The 21-year-old had been linked with the Knights for the past month and was seen as collateral damage after the Eels’ shock signing of star centre Michael Jennings from the Sydney Roosters.

Knights coach Nathan Brown said the recruitment of Pauli, who stands at 193 centimetres and weighs a mammoth 120kg, instantly improved their playing roster ahead of the new season.

“Pauli is a young forward and will continue to develop and improve his game at the Knights,” Brown said.

“He immediately adds good size to our forward pack and we look forward to welcoming him to the club.

Pauli will train with his new teammates on Saturday for the first time.

Pauli made his NRL debut with Eels in 2014 before going on to make 33 appearances for the club.