York Valkyrie sign highly-rated Canadian forward Megan Pakulis

The 27-year-old loose forward has earned 10 caps with the Ravens, following a breakthrough 2017 Women's Rugby League World Cup campaign.

Pakulis scored her side's first-ever try at the tournament against the Kiwi Ferns as they went on to earn a fourth-placed finish in Australia.

She returned for her second World Cup in 2022 - postponed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic and in-part held in York - playing 80 minutes against England, Papua New Guinea and Brazil.

Canada failed to make it out of the group stages with a third-placed finish, but Pakulis earned her spot in the Team of the Tournament, alongside Valkyrie star Tara Jane Stanley, after scoring against the latter two teams.

Pakulis scored against Papua New Guinea at Headingley. (Image: Danny Lawson/PA)

Away from international duty, the forward was one of four participants at the NRLW combine in Las Vegas chosen to train with an elite team in Australia on an all-expenses-paid trip earlier this year.

After touring the major NRLW clubs, she debuted for the First Nation Gems against Victoria.

Pakulis has experience across both codes, turning out in the backs for both York University Lions and the Canada Under-20 rugby union team.

• Eight York Valkyrie to face off in 'War of the Roses' clash

• Anfield calls for York Valkyrie to return to best after lengthy break

She admits that she has been inspired by the Valkyrie's successes, which saw them claim a historic League Leaders' Shield and Grand Final double last year. 

"Just looking at the team and their previous successes coming up from where they started to where they are now is something that is super inspiring," she explained.

"Getting to watch them throughout the season and chatting with Lindsay throughout the winter pre-season its really motivated me to make this happen. 

"She has been really good with communication, I'm always in the know of what's going on and she's done a really good job of making this transition easy for me."

"I'm looking forward to getting out there and being part of the squad."

Lindsay Anfield's side will return from their five-week break against Barrow Raiders in a double-header with York Knights on July 7.

As for what she can offer her new side as they look to build on their fourth-placed league position, the forward will bring a tough-tackling tenacity.

She added: "I like to make the big carries and try to push people back on defence so with that I just want to lead with work ethic.

"I just hope that I can bring a little bit of my style into it while still adapting to what the team needs and what their style of play is." 

Pakulis faced several of the Valkyrie during the World Cup, pictured here tackling Hollie Mae Dodd. (Image: Tim Goode/PA)

York RLFC chairman Clint Goodchild revealed Pakulis had been on the club's radar since the World Cup.

“We are proud to bring such an exciting international talent to the club," he enthused.

"Megan has been on our radar since the World Cup.

"She has already shown her willingness to work hard and I have no doubt her professional development will continue under the leadership of Lindsay and her coaching team.”