After the Wests Tigers granted him an early release, the North Queensland Cowboys had their work cut out to get Luciano Leilua over early but they have done it.
Leilua, a talented back-rower, will join the Cowboys effective immediately.
The Wests Tigers were quick to wish Leilua the best with his future in the NRL.
“We wish Luciano the very best with his future,” said Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe.
“He and his family have made a lot of friends here at the Wests Tigers and they will be missed.”
With 99 NRL games to his name to date for the Tigers and previously, the St George Illawarra Dragons, Leilua looms as a key strike option for the Cowboys moving forward.
With one test to his name for Samoa, Cowboys General Manager of Football Micheal Luck is thrilled to sign Leilua at this point in the season.
“We are thrilled to welcome a player of Luciano’s ability and class to our club at this stage of the season,” Luck said.
“We’ve been very lucky we haven’t had any long-term injuries to our backrowers to start the season. That’s changed now with Heilum Luki ruled out for the season.
“We were in the fortunate position to be able to fit Luciano into our squad this year if the Tigers had an appetite to release him. It’s worked out well for both parties and we look forward to what Luciano will add to our squad moving forward.”
