Mahe Fangupo, one of the elite players in country rugby, won't feature in the Blowes Clothing Cup this year after agreeing to join the Newcastle Wildfires in the Sydney Shute Shield.

The Wildfires are returning to the premier competition this year and coach Scott Coleman is excited to have the former Forbes Platypi scrumhalf locked in.

"He is a gun," Coleman said.

"He came out to play for Randwick a few years ago and ended up out in Parkes through another Tongan.

"I have been trying to get him across here for a couple of years. He played for the Newcastle invitational side against the Western Force in February and was one of our better players.

"He has a good job in Forbes and a girlfriend, but he is keen to come and have a crack at Shute Shield for the 16 weeks."

Fangupo has played four Tests for Tonga, the last in 2010, and was previously with Randwick before heading to Parkes in 2011 and on to Forbes - leading both clubs to Central West premierships.

The 31-year-old has also played fly-half for Tonga A, but is most dangerous with the No.9 on his back.

While the move to Newcastle is huge for Fangupo, it deals a huge blow to the Platypis hopes this season.

One of the smartest operators in the region, Fangupo was a huge part of Forbes' run to the 2017 premiership while has been one of the Central West Blue Bulls' best for a number of years.

Forbes starts its cup campaign on July 18 against Orange Emus.