Fiji World Cup hopeful Ben Nakubuwai tipped to succeed at Leigh

Leigh coach Adrian Lam believes new signing Ben Nakubuwai will have a massive impact on his team – both on and off the field.

The promotion-chasing Centurions have signed the Fiji international powerhouse on a deal until the end of the season.

Nakubuwai has most recently been playing under new Leeds head coach Rohan Smith for Queensland Cup champions Norths Devils.

The Fijian prop spent two seasons in England with Super League side Salford between 2018-19, making 40 appearances for the Red Devils.

Speaking to Love Rugby League about Nakubuwai, Lam said: “It is the one area where we are very strong at but we don’t have enough players in that position. It is one that we’ve been searching for since my arrival.

“We got Kai O’Donnell a couple of weeks ago and now Ben. He’s just finished off a pre-season with the Brisbane Broncos which gives you some indication of how he is travelling.

“I’ve watched him for a couple of years now and he will fit right into this group, not just because of his talents on a rugby league field but he is also a great person off it.

“He has got a power game to back up the size that he is. He adds strength in the middle for us, he is a hard worker and defensively he is sound and strong. He’s part of the DNA that we want to be.”

Ben Nakubuwai backed to make Fiji World Cup squad

Nakubuwai has won 10 caps for his native Fiji since making his international debut in 2016. He will be hoping to play in his second World Cup this autumn.

“I would assume that’s on the agenda for him,” Lam said when asked about Nakubuwai’s chances to play for Fiji at the World Cup.

“Fiji would have to consider adding him to their squad because he is going to play over in the UK and be here so it is an easy one for them. I have no doubt he’ll be added to that team. That’s part of his journey this year and we are looking forward to his arrival.”

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