Rugby League: Vaealiki joins Wigan

English rugby league club Wigan have signed New Zealand centre David Vaealiki on a three-year deal, it was reported today.

Sportinglife.com website reported that Vaealiki, 23, is to be released from the final year of his contract with Sydney National Rugby league club Parramatta to join Wigan.

"David has made a great impression on everyone at the club since arriving from New Zealand in 1999," Parramatta chief executive Denis Fitzgerald said.

"He has a tremendous opportunity to set himself up for life, and he goes with our blessing."

Vaealiki made 93 appearances for Parramatta, scoring 32 tries, but has played only eight games this season due to a torn Achilles.

He has won seven test caps for New Zealand and was a member of the Kiwis squad who toured Great Britain in 2002.

- NZPA