They have missed out on a few targets for 2020 but the Wests Tigers got one man they wanted in Joey Leilua.
Leilua, who was granted a release by the Canberra Raiders, will link up with brother Luciano at the Tigers.
Leilua was twice named Dally M Centre of the Year and played in 91 NRL games for the Raiders.
The three year deal for Leilua at the Tigers starts effective immediately in 2020 and runs until 2022.
With 204 NRL games total to his name, the Tigers are pleased with the pedigree that he will bring to the club.
“As a club, we’re delighted to have secured a talented player such as Joseph,” Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said.
“He is a player who is of the highest calibre and has already proven to be a remarkable contributor on and off the field to his club and country.”
Just as pleased is Tigers coach Michael Maguire, who knows of the quality that Leilua possesses.
“I’m extremely pleased to welcome Joseph to Wests Tigers and start working with him,” Maguire said.
“He is without doubt one of the most dangerous attacking players in the competition and will take this team’s potency to a new level going forward.
“To secure a player of his class and talent for the season ahead is a huge boost for the club and one that will lift this team right across the park.”
Maguire also believes Leilua’s best is yet to come.
“I’m extremely confident that the best is also still to come for Joseph,” Maguire continued.
“He brings a wealth of on-field experience to our team, and we’re extremely excited to watch him play in Wests Tigers colours for many years to come.”