FUIFUI Moimoi has spoken of his excitement at taking on a new challenge with Leigh Centurions.

The legendary Tongan prop was welcomed by a sell-out crowd at the banqueting suite at Leigh Sports Village on Tuesday night.

The former Parramatta Eels cult hero admitted it was a wrench to leave Sydney but is looking forward to getting stuck into his first experience of English club rugby after 11 years in the NRL.

Moimoi, who has signed a one-year contract with the Centurions with a one-year option, said: "It's a hard move for me. I'd been at the Eels a long time but this is a new challenge, a new country and I'm pleased to join Leigh."

Moimoi linked up with his new team-mates at the club's warm weather training camp in Lanzarote and is expected to make his debut in Sunday's home friendly against Wigan Warriors (kick off 3pm) - the first of a four-match pre-season schedule in preparation for the Championship opener against Bradford Bulls on February 15.

"On my first day Derek (Beaumont, head of rugby) and Steve (Openshaw, acting chief executive) made me feel welcome and it was great to then meet all my new team-mates.

"They are all pretty funny, but getting to go away and work with them all, there are some really good skills and I'm looking forward to playing against all our opposition."

The 35-year-old quietly spoken Tongan continues a tradition of island players at Leigh with Lee Hansen, Tau Liku and Jimmy Veikoso all starring for the club in the last 25 years.

Moimoi, who has played international rugby for Tonga and New Zealand, has been pleased with what he has seen of the quality of the squad he has joined.

"I was impressed by their skills and on the first day of training got stuck in," he added.

"There are a couple of good young front rowers that could be successful here and I can't wait to play alongside these guys."

The 17 stone-plus six-footer has happy memories of playing for Tonga in front of a 10,000 crowd at Leigh Sports Village at the 2013 World Cup and admits the fervour of the crowds at the tournament was a factor in him choosing to pick up his career in England.

"It seems a while ago now but the fans were crazy," he recalled. "I'm very excited to come here and am looking forward to the first game."

Britain, he added, was not an obvious choice after leaving Parramatta.

"To be honest it wasn't but after what happened in the World Cup, I changed my mind.

"A few Super League clubs got in touch back home and then Derek and Paul (coach Rowley) talked to my team.

"I then had a decision; but looking at it, I think I made the right decision."