Wests Tigers sign Ipswich duo Billie McConnachie and Rod Griffin, re-sign Jack Buchanan

THE Wests Tigers have signed controversial Ipswich forward Billie McConnachie for 2016, as well as extending the contract of prop Jack Buchanan.

Billy McConnachie scores during the NRL State Championship Grand Final between the Ipswich Jets and Newcastle Knights at ANZ Stadium, Sydney. Pics Adam Head

THE Wests Tigers have signed controversial Ipswich forward Billie McConnachie for 2016.

The club announced that McConnachie and his fellow Jets teammate Rod Griffin, 28, will join the club on one-year deals next season.

McConnachie was ruled out of his international debut for Scotland thanks to a moment of madness where he was involved in an incident with Newcastle fullback Jake Mamo that left the custodian concussed.

The 25-year-old was charged with grade-two contrary conduct for “running in” to a melee during the NRL State Championship final at ANZ Stadium.

Rod Griffin scores during the NRL State Championship Grand Final.

McConnachie, who was named man of the match in the Jets’ Intrust Super Cup Grand Final win over the Townsville Blackhawks, copped a two-game suspension after taking an early guilty plea.

The club has also re-signed prop Jack Buchanan for a further year.

Buchanan made his NRL debut for the joint venture back in 2013, playing 39 games in the top grade, including 12 this year.

Very excited to have signed for a further year with the Wests Tigers 👌🏼 #makeithappen #onlymovingforwardnow #onlyhardwork

— Jack Buchanan (@jack11buchanan) October 7, 2015

“We’re always looking to strengthen our squad, and having these three players on board for next season will really help us do that,” coach Jason Taylor said.

“I’m looking forward to working with both Rod and William, and again with Jack, to help grow our team moving forward.

“All three have plenty of potential to assist us next year and will challenge the rest of the squad for playing time, which is a really positive thing for this club.”

The Tigers return for pre-season training in early November.

Originally published as Wests Tigers sign Ipswich duo Billie McConnachie and Rod Griffin, re-sign Jack Buchanan