Former Canberra utility Siliva Havili will be given the chance to continue his NRL career after signing a two-year deal with South Sydney.

Just a month after going unsigned by Canberra, the one-time New Zealand Test hooker has been offered a career lifeline by Jason Demetriou - after previously working with the new Rabbitohs coach at St George Illawarra.

The 28-year-old Havili will give Souths a back-up option out of dummy-half, as well as more utility value at lock after the retirement of Benji Marshall.

"He is very strong defensively and a powerful carrier of the football and he will complement the players we already have in our forward pack," Souths head of football Mark Ellison said.

The Rabbitohs also have Anthony Milford as a potential No.14 for next year, but he remains before the courts after being charged with assault.

Havili's exit from Canberra has allowed the Raiders to add North Queensland Cowboys forward Peter Hola to their pack on a one-season contract.

The 22-year-old leaves the Cowboys after playing 12 matches for the club since debuting in 2019.

In turn, Todd Payten's Cowboys have picked up Warriors prop Jamayne Taunoa-Brown on a two-year contract.

Taunoa-Brown, who was loaned out to the Dragons for a two-game cameo last season, played for the Warriors when Payten was their interim coach in 2020.

"Jamayne's a big body, who moves well and can play big minutes," Payten said.

"He's got soft hands, light feet and he's technically sound defensively."