Broncos set to sign Leuluai

Last updated at 11:20 22 November 2004

London Broncos are poised to unveil the signing of New Zealand scrum-half Thomas Leuluai, who flew back to Auckland this morning following the end of his country's participation in the Gillette Tri-Nations Series.

The Broncos have beaten Widnes and Parramatta to the signature of the 19-year-old Aucklander, who is the son of former Hull and New Zealand centre James Leuluai.

"Our coach Tony Rea has been talking to Thomas for quite some time, and we just need to finish off the paperwork," said London chief executive Nic Cartwright.

Leuluai, who made his Test debut at the age of 18, played in all four of the Kiwis' Tri-Nations matches despite being unable to pin down a regular spot in the New Zealand Warriors team.

He was released with 12 months left on his contract but only on the condition that he did not join another National Rugby League (NRL) club, which ruled out a move to Parramatta.

New Widnes coach Frank Endacott, a former New Zealand national coach, made an unsuccessful attempt to take the scrum-half to the Halton Stadium.

Leuluai will become the Broncos' third half-back signing in a month following the arrival of Mark McLinden from Canberra and Luke Dorn from Sydney Roosters.

"A lot of the players we have signed can play in different positions," added Cartwright.

"McLinden can play anywhere - he is very flexible."

Meanwhile, Cartwright played down reports that Eric Watson - the England-based millionaire owner of New Zealand Warriors - is close to agreeing a buy-out of the Broncos.

"We're not in contact, and if he wanted to buy the club there would have to be some contact," said Cartwright.

"We did speak with him, but it's gone quiet for a month or so.

"But we would be more than happy to speak to anybody who wants to get involved."

The Broncos, reported to have debts of around £3.5m, are currently owned by London oil businessman David Hughes who bought out Virgin magnate Richard Branson's interest in the club three years ago.