GIANT Samoan Dominic Feaunati could be the missing link that Leigh Centurions have been searching for to kick-start their debut Super League season.

But head coach Darren Abram insists that the swoop for Feaunati from St Helens late on Friday was not a panic move.

"At this stage of the season the number of quality players who are available is extremely limited," said Abram. "But when we discovered that Saints were prepared to release Dom, we moved quickly.

"He's a big, strong player who has played both union and league to a very high standard. He will bring both pace and power to our squad and will be a hit with the fans for sure. Hopefully he will give us that cutting edge that we have ben missing."

But Leigh fans will have to wait to see the Samoan in action. He's been omitted from the 20-man squad for Friday's big home clash with Bradford Bulls, kick off 8pm, and is likely to make his debut against Wigan at the JJB next week.

Feaunati, who hadn't figured in Ian Millward's senior squad so far this season, has signed for the rest of the year with an option to stay at Hilton Park in 2006.

Signed by Saints after the 2003 union World Cup, winger or centre Feaunati has scored eight tries in 21 senior appearances including a sub's role in last year's Powergen Challenge Cup final victory.

"I'm very pleased to come to Leigh," said Feaunati. "I visited the club and was impressed with what I saw.

"I believe Leigh can be successful in Super League. Speaking to Darren Abram and some of the players, there is a strong belief in what they are doing, which is both refreshing and very positive."

Feaunati might not be the last new early season siging with the Hilton Park board making funds available for Abram to swoop again if the right player came along.

"We are interested in all positions," says Abram. "Anybody who would strengthen our team I would look at.

"We've had the same problem from day one that the player market worked against us because we had so little time to recruit, but that's something we just have to deal with.

"I'm not going out and panic buy. Players I target must strengthen what we've already got. I'd be looking at putting them on a long-term contract, not just a short-term deal."

Injury forces Neil Turley out of Friday's squad but there are returns for Jason Ferris, Kevin Henderson, Ian Knott and Rob Jackson who all missed last week's narrow defeat at Wakefield.

Oli Wilkes is also available after having no case to answer following being put on report for an alleged dangerous tackle.

Leigh's squad is: Cooper, Duffy, Ferris, Fleary, Govin, Henderson, Jackson, Jones, Kent, Wilkes, Leafa, Maden, Marshall, Rowley, Smyth, Stapleton, Sturm, Knott, Wilshere, Moore.