English club Leigh have pulled off a major coup, signing former New Zealand international and Parramatta NRL stalwart Fuifui Moimoi.

The 35-year-old prop was unveiled on Saturday night as the Centurions’ marquee signing for a Championship campaign in 2015 they hope will bring them a return to Super League.

Moimoi, who won 12 caps for the Kiwis from 2007-11 and played for Tonga in the 2013 World Cup, was a cult figure for 11 years at the Eels, where he made 201 appearances.

Set to become a crowd favourite at the Leigh Sports Village and hailed as the club’s greatest signing, Moimoi will link up with the Centurions in January on a one-year contract, with the option of a second year in England.

Leigh coach Paul Rowley said: “The signing of Fui is a strong indication of Leigh Centurions’ ability to attract world-class talent in the face of fierce competition from Super League clubs.

“Fui is a world-class player who will not only bring profile to our club off the field but a huge presence and class on the field.”

Moimoi said there had been a lot in interest in him going to England including Super League.

“But, in the end, my team advised me that Leigh was my best option and I’m very happy to be going to Leigh.

“I was there at the World Cup and I trained and played at the Leigh Stadium. I met a few people at Leigh and, obviously, I met the owner who is a really nice guy.

“I’ll miss the fans and my teammates (at Parramatta) but I’m looking forward to playing in England.

“The fans are crazy there, they love their footy and I can’t wait to get there and see all the fans in the UK.”