Photo / Richard Spranger

Waiuku lock Mike McKee is the latest local player to sign with expansion Super Rugby franchise Moana Pasifika for their inaugural campaign next year.

The 28-year-old McKee, a former Counties Manukau representative, has been playing for Southland in the National Provincial Championship for the past few seasons.

The talented lock forward joins Steelers representatives Sekope Kepu and Alamanda Motuga as having linked up with the new team.

He is the first player of Cook Islands descent to join the franchise.

There are more Steelers tipped to join the franchise in the coming weeks.