Leigh snap up Tonga star Ata Hingano
Leigh have confirmed the signing of Tonga international Ata Hingano from Salford for the 2022 Championship season.
The 24-year-old half-back came through the ranks at New Zealand Warriors, making his NRL debut in 2016.
He made 24 appearances Down Under for the Warriors and Canberra Raiders before moving to Salford midway through last season.
Hingano has won eight caps for Tonga. He was part of Kristian Woolf’s Tonga squad that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2017.
Leigh boss delighted to land Ata Hingano
Leigh head of rugby Chris Chester said: “Ata is a great signing for us. He has experience of playing in the NRL and can cover half-back and hooker.
“He gives us some quality in the spine of the squad, and I am looking forward to working with him.”
Ata Hingano said: “I am really happy to be joining the club.
“It’s a great move for me and having met my team-mates this morning we are all focussed on helping Leigh Centurions back into Super League.”
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Joel Tomkins announces immediate retirement
Former Wigan, Hull KR and Catalans forward Joel Tomkins has announced his immediate retirement from the game at the age of 34.
Tomkins was due to take up a contract with Leigh for the 2022 season, but has informed the club he will not be taking up his contract.
He had two spells with Wigan in all, making 237 appearances for the club, scoring 64 tries. In the middle of those spells, Tomkins also played rugby union for Saracens for three years.
After leaving Wigan for the second time, Tomkins spent 18 months in East Yorkshire with Hull KR. He made 35 appearances, scoring six tries.
Ahead of the 2020 season, Tomkins moved to the south of France to sign with Catalans. After missing the start of the 2021 season through suspension, Tomkins was part of the side that won the League Leaders Shield. He also played in the Super League Grand Final, although the Dragons were beaten by St Helens.
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