AMBITIOUS Leigh have swooped to sign a leading member of the Tongan World Cup squad - and they are planning talks with a second today.

Winger or centre Jimmy Veikoso has signed a contract until 1997 and once a mountain of red tape has been cleared, he could be in the Leigh side by Christmas.

Veikoso, 24, played in both Tonga's World Cup games this week. Under RL rules he will not count on the Hilton Park overseas quota because Tonga are still classed as a developing nation.

The strong-running back has just been released by Australian glamour club Canberra Raiders where he made eight first grade appearances over two seasons.

"Jimmy will return home with the Tongan squad on Monday and then must obtain his clearance from the Australian RL. Once he's done that, we can apply for a work permit but that could take as much as eight to 10 weeks to come through," explained Leigh's managing director, Mick Higgins.

"Jimmy is desperate to continue his career in Engalnd and we're delighted that because of the good relationship we have with the Tongan squad, that he's decided to join us.

"We've got talks planned with another player today, but we do face some stiff competition for his signature," Higgins admits.

"But what it does prove is that we mean business. We're determined to finish top of the table this winter and get out of the second division at the first attempt next summer.

"What we need is for the fans and local businesses to rally round and back us through the turnstiles and with sponsorship.

We've already got a group of businesses interested in putting a package together to help pay for new signings such as these. But we'll never turn more help away!"

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