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South East Melbourne Phoenix have signed New Zealander Mike Karena as a replacement for NBL centre Dane Pineau, who is sidelined with a back injury.

South East Melbourne Phoenix have signed New Zealand big Mike Karena as an injury replacement for NBL centre Dane Pineau.

The 27-year-old has already joined the team for the start of the NBL21 season, with the Phoenix taking on the 36ers in Adelaide on Sunday in round one.

The 208cm Kiwi averaged just under 18 points and six rebounds for the Nelson Giants in the New Zealand NBL last season.

Having previously played with Cam Gliddon, Adam Gibson and Reuben Te Rangi across the ditch, Karena said joining the team this late in the pre-season was made simple.

"It was probably one of the easiest transitions into a team when the season's about to start that anyone could go through," Karena said.

"I just want to come in here and do what I can for the team - use my size if they want me to go screen someone, run down the court, bang bodies, just be the role player they need me to be."

Karena becomes the fourth New Zealander on the Phoenix roster, joining Reuben Te Rangi, Yanni Wetzell and Izayah Le'afa.

Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell says Karena will add valuable size and strength to the front-court, with Pineau set to miss the opening month with a back injury.

"Mike is a big body with a great work ethic and willingness to run the floor. He will certainly add to our depth of bigs and gives us size to go one out versus the bigger centres in the NBL," Mitchell said.

"After three sessions with the team, it feels like he's been with us all pre-season."