Leigh sign Gold Coast forward Vaivai

Leigh Centurions have bolstered their pack for next season with the signing of Gold Coast Titans prop Paterika Vaivai on a two-year deal.

The 25-year-old played in the Melbourne Storm and New Zealand Warriors Academy teams and signed for Newcastle Knights in 2012, where he was a key figure in their National Youth Competition side.

Vaivai played for Newcastle’s New South Wales Cup outfit in 2013 and made his NRL debut against Penrith Panthers in 2014.

After playing six games for the Knights, he was released at the end of the 2015 campaign and joined Burleigh Bears in the Queensland Cup for 2016.

Impressive performances with the Bears saw him join Gold Coast where he went on to make 10 NRL appearances for the club in 2017, scoring one try.

And Centurions head coach Neil Jukes thinks Vaivai can make a real difference at the club next year.

He said: “Paterika is an outstanding signing for our club. He is an unbelievably powerful player and his explosive, direct running style will be really instrumental for our team next year.

“I have no doubt whatsoever that the Leigh Centurions fans are going to really enjoy watching Paterika play for our club and showcasing his ability.

“From speaking to him, it is clear that Paterika is a highly motivated player who is really looking forward to coming here and playing his best footy and the coaching staff will 100% support him in that objective.”