Kiwis league halfback Thomas Leuluai has been signed by British club the London Broncos after his path to Parramatta was blocked by the New Zealand Warriors.
The Broncos confirmed the signing of Leuluai today on a 12-month contract, ahead of Widnes whose coach Frank Endacott was also chasing his services.
Leuluai, 19,
was released from the Warriors with a year left on his contract, but only on the condition that he did not join another National Rugby League (NRL) club.
He told NZPA earlier this month that Sydney club Parramatta was his preferred option, with competition for Warriors halves spots from Stacey Jones, Lance Hohaia and the newly-signed Nathan Fien.
"I'm trying real hard to get to Parramatta and Parramatta have been trying to get me there," he said.
"The Warriors gave me a release but they don't want me to go to Parramatta, which I think is wrong. I just don't know what's happening. It's all up in the air."
Leuluai, son of former Kiwis centre James Leuluai, is the Broncos' third halfback signing in a month following the capture of Mark McLinden from Canberra and Luke Dorn from Sydney Roosters.
Broncos chief executive Nic Cartwright has strongly denied suggestions that the signing is part of a bigger plan involving a takeover bid by Eric Watson, the England-based millionaire owner of the Warriors.
"The only link is that he is joining us from Eric's club," Cartwright was quoted as saying on the Sporting Life website.
"People seem to have drawn their own conclusions that this is all part of a grand takeover deal but that's complete rubbish."
The Broncos, who are reported to have debts of around £3.5 million ($9.27 million), are currently owned by London oil businessman David Hughes, who bought out Virgin magnate Richard Branson three years ago.
London coach Tony Rea added: "People should not let speculation about ownership cloud the significance of this announcement.
"This is fantastic news for our club. Thomas is a rising star in the game, 19, and a current test player.
"He'll be given the keys to the team and asked to drive us."
Warriors co-owner Mark Hotchin yesterday said in a statement he and fellow owner Watson were a long way from buying the Broncos.
Hotchin confirmed Cullen Sports Ltd, which owns the Warriors, is interested in the London venture but he emphasised the Auckland-based club remained the company's priority interest.
"Nothing will change that. The Warriors are our No 1 property," he said.
A Sunday newspaper reported that Cullen Sports was in line to buy the Broncos.
The same story speculated recently-signed Warriors assistant coach Ivan Cleary and defence co-ordinator Kevin Campion had been "earmarked to coach" the London Broncos.
Warriors chief executive Mick Watson yesterday moved to quell that speculation.
"They are both integral components in our plan to return the Warriors to where we believe the club should be in 2005 -- and that's as force in the NRL," Watson said.
"Ivan and Kevin are part of a carefully designed coaching structure we have worked to put together after our disappointing year in 2004."
The Kiwis flew home yesterday after their winless Tri-Nations campaign.
- NZPA
Kiwis league halfback Thomas Leuluai has been signed by British club the London Broncos after his path to Parramatta was blocked by the New Zealand Warriors.
The Broncos confirmed the signing of Leuluai today on a 12-month contract, ahead of Widnes whose coach Frank Endacott was also chasing his services.
Leuluai, 19,
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.