NEW Zealand all-rounder Willie Swann wants to join Leigh's Division One campaign.

Preliminary talks between the talented scrum-half/hooker and Hilton Park chiefs have already taken place.

But any plans to sign Swann and his former Warrington teammate Salesi Finau will come to nothing unless Leigh find some extra funding.

And Leigh chairman Mick Higgins blames the Rugby League.

"There is no escaping the fact we've been allocated only £90,000 for next season," he said. "And that puts us in a weak negotiating position when we start to talk to players.

"It's going to be difficult enough to get some of our existing players to re-sign to play in a higher division without a significant pay increase, let alone attract players dropping down from Super League.

"But we'll give it a go. Swann and Finau are not asking for the earth, but what we need is a consortium or two to sponsor both contracts.

"We've proved in the past this method works; it's a way of spreading the costs and a nice way for the community to get involved with the club. It would be nice to think there is a company or group of individuals out there who would like to back us in this way."

Anyone interested should call the chairman on 01942-768855.

Leigh hope to play a pre-season warm-up game at Widnes's new stadium on January 15.

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