SAMOAN hard-man Vila Matautia is making Leigh Centurions play a waiting game.

The ex-St Helens front rower's financial demands have so far prevented a deal being done.

But Leigh remain hopeful that they can strike a compromise with the 32-year-old. Matautia wants to come to Hilton Park and the Centurions want him - but so far they are some distance apart on finance.

But even if a deal was done tomorrow, fans would have to wait to see Matautia in Leigh colours.

Explained head coach Paul Terzis: "Part of our negotiations have involved giving Vila a break. He's been in full training since October 2000 and feels he needs a few weeks off to re-charge his batteries.

"If we did sign him, he wouldn't be playing for us until early in the New Year."

Leigh know they face competition for Matautia's signature from one of his former clubs, Doncaster, as well as from Liverpool-St Helens RU Club.

"There is interest elsewhere, but Vila's given us every indication that Leigh is his preferred choice.

"Negotiations are still on going and provided we can reach a mutually satisfactory financial package, I'm sure Vila will become a Leigh player."

Sensation

If Leigh do manage to land Matautia, Terzis believes he could be a sensation in the Premiership.

"He's got all the qualities to set our division alight. He takes the line on, breaks the line and has a handy off-load. he's the type of aggressive front rower I'm looking for.

"He's had his disciplinary problems in the past but I'm sure that if he gets a fair crack of the whip from referees, he'll be OK."

Leigh fans get the chance to see all the new signings in action on Sunday when the Centurions take on Oldham at Hilton Park in their only pre-season warm-up game.

The game, part of Mike Ford's Testimonial, will kick off at 3pm with Oldham promising to send a full-strength side.

Leigh's newcomers Chris Irwin, Eric Andrews, Gareth Price, Danny Turner, Jon Roper, Paul Rowley, Rob Ball and Andy Isherwood will all feature.

Neil Turley and Simon Svabic miss out because of international duty and injury respectively while Liam Bretherton is also absent due to a family christening.

Leigh line-up v Oldham: Chris Irwin; Eric Andrews, Paul Anderson, Phil Kendrick, Dave Ingram; Lee Sanderson, Willie Swann; Gareth Price, John Hamilton, Dave Whittle, Danny Turner, Simon Baldwin, Chris Morley. Subs: Paul Norman, Jon Roper, Dave Bradbury, Paul Rowley, Ian Hodson, Rob Ball, Andy Isherwood, Kieron Purtill, Colin Milner, Adam Bristow, James Lomax, Peter Clark.