Leeds Rhinos today confirmed the signing of New Zealand rugby league star Ali Lauiti'iti, 24, on a two and half year contract with the giant Kiwi likely to make his debut in the Rhinos next home game against Salford City Reds on Friday 28th May. Lauiti'iti, who earned the catchphrase as "the Michael Jordan of Rugby League" for his outrageous ball handling skills, had been released from his contract with the New Zealand Warriors sparking a world wide chase for his signature. However, the Rhinos have beaten competition from 14 other club's in Australia and England to secure the second row. Commenting on the signing Chief Executive Gary Hetherington said, "We are bringing one of the world's most dynamic and exciting rugby players to Headingley, which is good news for Leeds Rhinos and the Tetley's Super League competition. When we signed Iestyn Harris in 1997 we likened it to the signing of Lewis Jones and similarly the capture of Ali could be as significant as when the legendary Arthur Clues joined the club in 1947. Arthur arrived from Australia having become an international at a young age, he was blessed with great ball handling skills, speed and elusive footwork, all characteristics that Ali shares. We are planning to bring Ali over in the next 10 days with the aim for him to make his debut at our next home game on the 28th May." Head Coach Tony Smith added, "I am very excited about Ali coming to Headingley. He is an extremely talented, young player but unusually for someone of his age he also has so much experience having played over 100 NRL games and 11 Test matches. He will fit in well with our group of players and his abilities will complement the type of game we try and play." To book your ticket for the Salford City Reds game and see Ali make his debut, simply click here to use our secure online booking service.