LEIGH’S former Australian star Trevor Cogger has tipped the club’s marquee signing Fuifui Moimoi to have a major impact on the English game as well as being a big hit with the Centurions.

Cogger, who was a popular figure at Hilton Park in the 1985-86 season when he was a guest player from Western Suburbs, hailed the signing of the legendary Tongan prop.

“It’s great that Leigh have secured Fui’s services,” he said. “It’s great for Fui and great for Leigh and he’ll fit in well with the atmosphere of the English game.

“In Australia not many teams get loud vocal support but Fui gets that on a personal basis and that leads onto great support for Parramatta. The Leigh fans are passionate and love their Rugby League and he’ll be made to feel at home here straight away.”

Cogger, who holds the all-time record for most Wests appearances, told Leigh Centurions TV: “Fui’s 35 but he’s still a big name and he knows how to play footy.

“He’ll be as an asset not only to Leigh but the English game. I’m sure Fui will continue on from his great performances back home and that Leigh continue on from the great season they had in 2014.

“It’s a fantastic signing- one that has certainly made the news in Australia. I’ll be following his progress with great interest.”

After meeting up with many of his former colleagues from Leigh’s second division Championship-winning side of almost three decades ago, Cogger, who was in Leigh watch his son Jack playing for Australia Schoolboys, added: “I only played for two clubs- Wests and Leigh – and my biggest regret was that I never came back to play for Leigh for a second season.

“I loved my time at Leigh and it’s been fantastic to come back and see the great facilities at the Leigh Sports Village and see how well the team is doing."

Meanwhile, Centurions have added a friendly against Keighley Cougars to their pre-season programme.

Paul Rowley’s side will host the Cougars on Sunday, February 1 as a key fixture in their warm-up for the Kingstone Press Championship opener at home to Bradford Bulls on Sunday, February 15.