Wakefield land Lauititi
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are delighted to announce the signing of New Zealand and Samoa International Ali Lauititi.
Ali has signed a two year deal with the Wildcats from local Super League club Leeds Rhinos.
The 32 year old second rower spent 7 incredibly triumphant years at The Rhinos, winning four Grand Finals, two League Leaders shields and two World Club Challenges. He has made 193 appearances so far for the Leeds side and has proved to be one of their most successful overseas signings ever.
Lauititi joined Leeds in 2004 after playing for NRL club New Zealand Warriors at which he received the league’s award for the ‘Second-Rower of The Year’. The powerful Kiwi has earned 22 representative caps, playing for New Zealand 19 times and Samoa on 3 occasions scoring a whole host of tries at International level. The strong running forward has a wealth of big game experience behind him and has an impressive track record of touch downs.
The Wildcats are very happy to have secured a two year deal with the New Zealander and are looking forward to seeing him pull on the Wakefield shirt. Speaking earlier Wildcats Chief Executive James Elston commented, “We are thrilled that Ali has joined the club for the next two years. He is a marquee signing for us and not only is he an incredibly talented player; he is also a great person.”
“He is the calibre of player whose signature doesn’t need explaining. His international honours, amount of tries and number of impressive performances tell a tale of their own and we are delighted to have him with us.”
“Ali will provide a huge impact on the development of our younger players and I am very much looking forward to his arrival. I would like to welcome him and his family to The Wildcats.”
Ali added, “I am really pleased to have signed here at Wakefield. I have a lot of friends that have either played here in the past or are playing now and they all have great things to say about the club.”
“Wakefield are a club with a proud history and a big future and I’m happy that I’m now a part of that. I look forward to the start of next season and getting out on the field with the boys.”
“I’d like to thank everyone at The Rhinos for the times that I have had there and I’d like to thank everyone at The Wildcats for opening up a new chapter in my career.”