Newcastle have bolstered their forward pack by securing the services of former North Queensland back rower Steve Southern for the 2011 NRL season.

The 28-year-old, dubbed Bluey, left the Cowboys at the end of their 2010 season after suffering a season-ending knee injury back in May, following a string of calf and shoulder complaints.

Southern made his representative debut in the junior ranks at St George Illawarra before signing with the Cowboys in 2004 and making a grand final appearance the following year.

"Steve is a great acquisition to our club," said Knights coach Rick Stone.

"I'm really looking forward to working with him when we reassemble our squad in early November.

"Bluey has an unquestionable work ethic with a relentless attention to detail which fits our club culture and adds some invaluable experience to our relatively young squad."

Southern, who has 123 NRL matches under his belt, will join the Newcastle Knights squad in early November when they resume training for the off season.

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