Leigh Centurions have confirmed the signing of Tonga international Samisoni Langi.
He will join the squad in time for the Betfred Super League Round 21 game at Warrington on 7th July on a contract until the end of the season with a further Club option after that.
Born in Auburn, Sydney the 24-year-old is a former Australian Schoolboys representative who made his first grade debut for Sydney Roosters in 2013 before moving on to Penrith Panthers.
Leigh Centurions Head Coach Neil Jukes said: “We have been monitoring Samisoni for a few years now and at one point of trying to take it further he suffered a big injury and so it went on the back burner. “Since his return to action he has been in great form and has gone close to getting in the first grade Penrith side which is some achievement given the strength of players in their team. “Samisoni is a true footballer who covers a number of positions but plays them very well.
He is a big, strong, athletic player with a hunger to succeed and he will add a wealth of size, speed and strength to our back-line or middle unit. “He is a great player to have on board at this stage of the season and the fact he has played so many games for Tonga given the quality of players they have to choose from shows how highly he is regarded on the international stage.”
Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont said: ” Neil brought Samisoni to my attention last year with a view to bringing him over and we were all set to watch him in an international when he did his knee which put him out. “He has since played week in, week out and it is clear he has made a full recovery.
He is a real talent with the ball, has a massive injection of pace off the mark and has great skills and a kicking game. He is explosive and very strong and can break a line. It will be a challenge for Neil to see where he goes best and how he develops him in our squad.”
A versatile player who can play centre, halfback or in the back row, he represented Tonga in all three of their World Cup games in 2013 and kicked three goals in the 22-16 victory over Cook Islands in front of a capacity crowd at Leigh Sports Village. Langi, who has been playing for Penrith in their NSW Cup side, has scored two tries and kicked 11 goals in six internationals.
He said: “I am really looking forward to joining the Centurions for the remainder of the season and hopefully, longer. “I hear nothing but good reports about the Club, the players and the people behind the scenes, so I look forward to wearing the Club colours, with pride.”