Brian McDermott has finally solved his utility forward problem with the signing of Chad Robinson.

The 27-year-old Aussie will join Harlequins Rugby League from Paramatta Eels on a twoyear deal next summer.

Although a hard-working forward who plays primarily in the second row, Robinson can easily slot in at loose forward or prop.

Quins boss McDermott said: "This is a position that we have been looking to recruit for for quite some time. Since the beginning of last season, we haven't really filled it.

"While we will still continue to show faith in our youth we need to have a seasoned player in this position, and we are very pleased that that person is Chad."

Robinson is expected to arrive in November to join his new teammates for pre-season training.

Quins had already received a triple boost this week before Robinson signed when three of their existing antipodean stars signed new contracts.

New Zealander Karl Temata will remain at the Twickenham Stoop until 2010, when Aussies Matt Gafa and Daniel Heckenberg extended their stays to next season.

Prop Temata, 29, has been in hot form in recent weeks, while fellow prop Heckenberg, 28, has just returned after being sidelined for most of the season with a shoulder injury.

Centre Gafa, 29, is already out for the rest of the season following an operation to correct a serious pectoral injury.

However, his stunning start to the season, which saw him score 10 tries to become the club's top scorer, earned him a new deal.

McDermott reckons keeping hold of his overseas stars will help rather than hinder the development of his increasing army of home-grown players.

He said: "As well as promoting our young English players, we want to keep some continuity in our team.

"These guys have been three of our top performers over the last 18 months - and I am real-ly pleased that we are keeping three players that care deeply about our club."

Meanwhile, Quins will be looking to bounce back at home to St Helens on Saturday evening (6pm) following last weekend's 38-20 defeat at Wigan.

Quins led 16-6 early on through tries from Louis McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Tony Clubb and Joe Mbu, plus two Henry Paul goals.

But Wigan hit back with two tries before the break to lead by two points at half-time, and four more after, including one from former Quins Thomas Leuluai.

Club replied with a second try for Quins, but it was too little too late.

McDermott added: "We had far too many unforced errors in the game.

"There was some soft defence, and we've got to get rid of that."