ROBBIE Fowler has joined Australian side North Queensland Fury on a free transfer.The former England international and Liverpool striker has chosen the move over several teams in China who have been chasing his signature following his recent departure from Blackburn.

ROBBIE Fowler has joined Australian side North Queensland Fury on a free transfer.

The former England international and Liverpool striker has chosen the move over several teams in China who have been chasing his signature following his recent departure from Blackburn.

Fury chairman Don Matheson confirmed that the 33-year-old has signed to play for the club for their debut A-League season.

Fowler had previously seen a proposed move to Sydney FC fall through in 2007 but the former Liverpool striker confirmed he will be heading Down Under.

“I had nothing but good things to tell my family about the football side of things and the lifestyle opportunities North Queensland can offer us,” said Fowler.

“From a football perspective, everything Fury coach Ian Ferguson put on the table and showed me was first class and the enthusiasm and drive of everyone at the club is fantastic.

“It's a huge decision for my family but it's also an opportunity to continue my football career in a truly wonderful part of the world.”

Fury coach Ferguson said: “I've admired him as a player for a long time and it's just fantastic to have him signed.

“Robbie is more than just a goal scorer - although he certainly knows where the net is - he links up play and he knows how to position himself to get other players involved.

“I knew he was serious about our offer when he came to Townsville. There was a real commitment shown by flying out to meet personally with us and to see the facilities and the lifestyle we're able to offer him and his family.”