Former Kiwi international Nigel Vagana will join the NRL as an education and welfare officer in January next year.

Vagana, the former Warriors, Canterbury, Cronulla and South Sydney player, replaces former Test prop Jason Stevens who held the role earlier this year before resigning.

Vagana's role will involve getting players to focus on off-field education opportunities and careers after football.

The 33-year-old former Test centre said he was a firm believer in experienced players providing guidance to their younger counterparts.

"I was fortunate to be mentored by a number of senior players early in my career at the Warriors and this helped set me on the right path," he said.

"When I came to the Bulldogs I decided to take up an architectural technology course which both gave me a sense of security for the future and ensured I had a balanced perspective about football."

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