The Canberra Raiders have announced the signing of former Newcastle Knights centre Joseph Leilua for the rest of the 2015 season.

Leilua arrived in Canberra this afternoon and will join his Raiders team mates for the first time tomorrow. The Raiders are currently working with Leilua and his management on securing a deal beyond the end of the current season and are hopeful of finalising a contract in the coming days.

Leilua said he’s excited about joining the Raiders and can’t wait to join his new teammates.

“It’s a new opportunity for me and I’m really excited about joining the Raiders,” Leilua said. “I know a few of the players like Sia Soliola and Frank-Paul Nuuausala and they speak highly of the club and Ricky Stuart so I can’t wait to get out there with the boys.”

Raiders CEO Don Furner said the club was looking forward to having Leilua join the squad.

“Joseph is a very talented player who will look to make an impact with the Raiders and he’s another player we’ve recruited which helps us to continue to build a great playing roster,” Furner said. “We will work with his management over the coming days on securing his contract beyond the end of 2015.”