Sam Mataora has signed with the Pickers for next Newcastle Rugby League season but a deal with Tyler Randell has fallen through.

Mataora's arrival, which started with training this week, was made possible after Randell's recent departure freed up space in Maitland's player points allocation and salary cap.

Roster changes in relation to the former Knights pair were confirmed by Pickers coach Matt Lantry on Friday.

"Sam [Mataora] came about after we lost Tyler [Randell]," Lantry said.

"We felt like we wanted to replace Tyler and Sam gave us that opportunity."

Mataora, who played 63 NRL games for the Raiders and Knights between 2010 and 2017, joins Maitland after a stint in Canberra with Belconnen.

The 29-year-old forward, who helped Cook Islands qualify for the World Cup last month with Central's Uiti Baker, also had interest from 2017 Newcastle RL champions Macquarie.

"He gives us size and experience and for a big man he's quite skillful with his pass and offload," Lantry said.

"I think he'll compliment our pack well."

Twenty-seven-year-old hooker Randell has been linked with Cessnock, who have already secured the services of fellow former Knights forward Tyrone Amey but lost ex-NRL player Paul Carter.

The Goannas and Maitland are scheduled to play against each other three times next year, kicking off with round one at Cessnock Sportsground on April 18.