Wakefield Trinity Wildcats acquire Leeds Rhinos star lock Ali Lauitiiti for next two years - Rugby
Wakefield based English Rugby League football club, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, has signed Super League star second rower Ali Lauitiiti. Officials at the club have confirmed the signing for Lauitiiti on a two-year deal in a statement released on their website on Wednesday, August 10.
Lauitiiti will join the Wildcats at the end of the 2011 Super League season. Currently he is representing Leeds Rhinos in the Super League and Challenge competition.
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Chief Executive Officer, James Elston, has expressed his delight on securing the services of the dual international Lauitiiti. He termed his signing as a “marquee signing.”
Elston has praised the skills, abilities and the personality attributes of the Lauitiiti. He said, “He (Ali) is the calibre of player whose signature doesn’t need explaining. His international honours, amount of tries and number of impressive performances tell a tale of their own and we are delighted to have him with us.” Elston has also expressed his confidence that the young players in the club will learn a lot from the experience of Lauitiiti.
Auckland born Lauitiiti has expressed his pleasure on joining the Wildcats. He said, “I am really pleased to have signed here at Wakefield. I have a lot of friends that have either played here in the past or are playing now and they all have great things to say about the club.”
The 32-year-old Lauitiiti started his professional rugby league career with the New Zealand Warriors in 1998. He remained there until the end of the 2004 season, made 115 appearances for Warriors, and scored 132 points.
In 2004, he joined the English professional Rugby League side, Leeds Rhinos. He so far has made 193 appearances for the Rhinos in different competitions and has scored 248 points for them. During his stay at the Rhinos, he has helped them to win four Grand Finals, two World Club Challenges and helped them to lift two League Leaders shields.
New Zealand born Lauitiiti is a dual international; he has represented both New Zealand and Samoa in the international level. He made his New Zealand international debut in 2000. He represented New Zealand on 19 occasions and has scored 28 points. He made his international debut for Samoa in 2007 and so far has played three international games for them.
Lauitiiti is considered as one of the most successful overseas signing for Leeds. Commenting on the occasion, he has thanked the Rhinos management, players, coaching staff and their fans for their support and encouragement.
Current signings are part of the Wildcats plans to strengthen their squad following renewal of their Super League license.
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