The 24-year-old plays at centre or wing, and made his first grade debut for St George-Illawarra Dragons in 2003, where he made 12 NRL appearances before joining the Raiders in 2005. He has scored 15 tries in 48 games for Canberra over the last three seasons.

Quins RL Head Coach Brian McDermott said: 'David is a bit of a well kept secret in Australia. I've done a lot of homework on him, including speaking to some of his ex-coaches, and I've been told by them that he's got the potential to be another Michael Withers.

'Withers is someone I played with at Bradford ' he came over here as an unknown and became one of the best players in Super League.

'David has got a big frame and I'm expecting him to fill the gap left by Paul Sykes.'

David Howell is Quins' fourth off-season signing, along with Danny Ward, Gareth Haggerty and Dwayne Barker. In addition, Will Sharp and Lamont Bryan have been promoted from the Academy to the first team.

Harlequins RL are hoping to confirm details of their entire 2008 Super League squad by the end of next week.

Season tickets for 2008 are still available, starting at £132 for adults and only £25 for children and students. For more information please click here or call the Ticket Office on 020 8410 6000.