Former Australian and Queensland State of Origin utility Shaun Berrigan has signed with the New Zealand Warriors for the 2011 NRL season.

Berrigan, 32, was recently released from the last year of his contract with English Super League club Hull FC, enabling him to return to the NRL.

Prior to playing in England, Berrigan had a 186 game career with the Brisbane Broncos, including a premiership triumph in 2006 where he won the Clive Churchill medal as best on ground.

Berrigan had sought a release from Hull FC following the death of his father early last year so he could be closer to his mother and family.

"We were able to not only help Shaun in his desire to be closer to his family but to also give him the chance to return to the NRL," Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah said.

"We're thrilled to secure a player of Shaun's quality, experience and versatility at this late stage."

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