Sinoti Sinoti gives Newcastle an 'X factor', says boss Dean Richards

Newcastle boss Dean Richards says new signing Sinoti Sinoti will add much-needed creativity to the backline.

The 28-year-old Samoa wing joined the club on Christmas Eve and will make his debut in Friday's clash with Sale.

In the defeat by Wasps last time out, Falcons scored two tries - the first time they crossed in the league since victory over London Irish in October.

"Sinoti has a lot of quality and that X factor that we haven't quite got at the moment," Richards told BBC Look North.

The former Wellington player, who signed until the end of the season, is the second international three-quarter to join the Falcons since the start of this campaign.

Argentina centre Gonzalo Tiesi arrived in early November but has yet to play for the club.

Earlier this term, Newcastle lost experienced backs and Andy Higgins after the pair were forced to retire because of injury.

"Sinoti is all hustle and bustle with real pace and power," said Richards.

"He is a finisher and has very good quality with ball in hand. I think he's a little bit like [Newcastle wing] Zach Kibirige but with Zach only being 19-years-old we don't want to throw him into too much Premiership rugby."