Wednesday 5 October 2016 13:15, UK
Leigh Centurions have signed back-row forward Atelea Vea from St Helens on a two-year contract.
The 29-year-old makes the move to the newly-promoted Super League club after two seasons with Saints.
Vea played 39 games for the Langtree Park side and scored 10 tries after moving north from London Broncos in 2015, although his first season was curtailed by injury.
Saints chief executive Mike Rush said: "We'd like to wish Tils all the best at Leigh Centurions.
"He has proved a popular member of the squad here and we'd like to thank him for his efforts in the red vee. Like any former player, he will always be welcome back at the club."
Atelea made his first-grade debut for Cronulla in 2009, before moving to Melbourne Storm in 2011 and St George-Illawarra a year later.
The 6ft, 16 stone forward was then picked up by the Broncos in 2014 and led the way in making more than 1,700 metres and busting nearly 60 tackles.
Centurions owner Derek Beaumont said: "I have always admired Tils as a player. He plays it tough and direct and just has that stereotypical look of a powerhouse player.
"Coming from Saints he is used to being at the top end of the Super League and being part of a good culture amongst top players and that will add to what we are trying to build.
"I have no doubt that the fans will take to him when he dons a Leigh Centurions shirt for the first time."
