Leigh sign Tonga international back Niu

Fanitesi Niu scored four tries in seven appearances for Dolphins during the 2024 NRL season

Super League side Leigh Leopards have signed versatile Tonga international back Fanitesi Niu on a three-year contract.

The 23-year-old has spent the past two seasons in Australia's National Rugby League (NRL) with the Dolphins, having previously played for Brisbane Broncos.

He has scored 20 tries in a total of 56 appearances in the NRL.

Niu played for Tonga at the 2022 World Cup, scoring a total of four tries in victories over Wales and the Cook Islands.

Leigh head of rugby Chris Chester said the arrival of Niu would help cover the departure of Ricky Leutele, who is leaving the club following the end of the season.

"Tesi has played for two quality teams in the NRL in the Broncos and the Dolphins," Chester told the club website.

"He’s a big, strong, athletic and powerful rugby player who will excite all our fans in 2025 and beyond."

Leigh finished fifth in the table this season, but lost to reigning champions Wigan in last weekend's play-off semi-finals.