David Bryenton has agreed to a two-year deal with the Wests Tigers, although he remains contracted to Canterbury.
The Australian Schoolboys representative is expected to join Benji Marshall's set-up and provide cover for fullback Jahream Bula.
The teenager can also play on the wing, a position where the Tigers frequently changed selections during their 2026 slide after a promising start.
In two appearances for Ipswich, Bryenton played once from the bench and started at fullback against the Western Clydsedales in Round 19.
He recorded a try assist, six tackle busts and 154 running metres in that start.
His arrival could complicate Heath Mason's future, with the versatile fullback and halves player uncontracted beyond the end of 2027.
Mason has been a regular at lower levels but has found first-grade opportunities limited, despite long-standing expectations about his potential.
With Jarome Luai leaving next year, Javon Andrews having debuted late in the season, and Latu Fainu and Adam Doueihi competing for halves minutes, Bryenton may move ahead of Mason in the Tigers' plans.