The South Sydney Rabbitohs are delighted to announce the signing of Jeff Lima for seasons 2013 and 2014 today. Lima, 29, will return to the NRL from a successful stint with English Super League Club Wigan where he won the 2011 Challenge Cup under the guidance of Rabbitohs Head Coach Michael Maguire, winning the Lance Todd Trophy as man-of-the-match in the Challenge Cup Final played at Wembley Stadium. Lima made his first grade debut with the Wests Tigers in 2004 before moving to the Melbourne Storm where he played in three Grand Finals, winning two in 2007 and 2009. Lima recorded 98 NRL appearances before shifting to Wigan where he has played 46 games to date. Lima has represented New Zealand in six Test matches in 2007 and 2009. Rabbitohs Head Coach Michael Maguire says he’s very happy to be reuniting with Lima at South Sydney in 2013. “Jeff has been a very consistent performer right throughout his career and will bring a wealth of experience to our Club next season,” Coach Maguire said. “He has a great work ethic, is professional in the way he conducts himself around training and in his preparation to play, and has been a high level performer week-in and week-out since I’ve been working with him. “His experience will help the youth in our squad, he’s a big addition to our team and will help to further strengthen our forward pack. “I’m looking forward to welcoming him to our Club for next season and beyond.”

Name: Jeff Lima
Position: Prop
Junior Club: Mangere East Hawks
DOB: 4 July 1982
POB: Auckland, NZ
Height: 182cm
Weight: 118kg
First Grade Games: 144 (2 for Tigers 2004; 96 for Storm 2006-10; 46 for Wigan 2011-current)
First Grade Points: 52 (13 tries)
Rep Honours: Six Tests for New Zealand 2007, 2009
Achievements: Three NRL Grand Finals with Storm (2007-09); Two NRL Grand Final victories (2007, 2009); Lance Todd Trophy winner for man-of-the-match in victorious 2011 Challenge Cup Final with Wigan
Previous Clubs: Tigers (2004); Storm (2006-10); Wigan (2011-current)