LEIGH Centurions’ capture of legendary Tongan prop Fui Fui Moimoi more than compensated for the club’s failure to land Australian three-quarter Curtis Johnston.

The Club’s attempt to register the North Sydney Bears winger with the Rugby Football League was turned down after an appeal at Red Hall last week.

Centurions head of rugby Derek Beaumont said: “It is very disappointing not to be able to introduce Curtis to the English game.”

Forty-eight hours later Beaumont was in a more buoyant mood announcing the Moimoi deal.

“I was absolutely delighted when I finally got this one over the line,” he said. “Fui fui Moimoi is a class player. He will be a revelation in our division and our fans will embrace him, making him a local cult hero. I can hear the chants of his name coming from the North Stand now, with Fui wigs everywhere and the very thought of that sends a shiver down my spine.”

Moimoi said from his Sydney base: “There was a lot of interest in me going to England including Super League but in the end my team advised me that Leigh was my best option. I just want to play footy, train hard and play hard. I love the smash. I love to get hit and challenge the other team and players and see who’s the strongest and most skilful in my position.

“I’m looking forward to playing in England.

“The fans are crazy there, they love their footy and I can’t wait to get there and see all the fans in the UK.”