LEIGH Centurions have got caught up in a tangle of red tape as they continue to put together a squad for 2006.

Leigh have agreed terms with Oldham's Cook Island internationals, Tere Glassie and Jonathan 'Dana' Wilson but must fight a counter-claim from York City Knights who also believe they have signed the pair.

The situation regarding Glassie and Wilson is a complex affair.

Back rower Glassie and prop Wilson are reported to have signed contracts to play with the newly-promoted Knights last week - but a couple of days later did a 'U' turn after learning of interest from another club, believed to be Leigh.

But by that time the Knights had already lodged the players' registrations with the Rugby League and would now be in their rights to demand a fee.

Knights chief executive John Guildford said: "It's disappointing that they have done this - but if they don't want to put the Knights shirt on, we don't want them here.

"We will wait to hear from other clubs that are interested because their contracts are with us and anybody who is interested in signing them would have to go through York."

Leigh have spoken with York and are confident that they will negotiate a release that would allow them to move to Hilton Park.

Subject to a successful release from York, Glassie and Wilson will be Leigh players," said Leigh's football director Steve Grainey.

In another twist to the saga Leigh also spoke to Marty Turner, Oldham's New Zealand half-back who was also on the Knights' wanted list. Turner also had talks with York but decided against moving. It is now understood that Leigh have withdrawn their offer.

Glassie has had experience in the top grade in Australia as well as the Batercard Cup in New Zealand. He has played most of his rugby in the second row but is versatile enough to make the move up to prop.

Twenty-one-year-old Wilson played alongside Glassie the successful Cook Island team which won the Pacific Rim Cup, thrashing the New Zealand Maori's in the final.

If Leigh can safely tie up Glassie and Wilson, they will be close to finalising their full-time squad for next season.

Prop Warren Stevens signed his new contract this week and half-back John Duffy has verbally agreed to another year at Hilton Park. Leigh are also hopefully of signing a leading player from Wigan's Under 21s Academy team.

Coach Tony Benson is also working on players in New Zealand and Australia," Grainey confirmed. "He's chasing a stand-off and a centre."