League: Lauiti'iti signs with Leeds until 2008

Kiwis forward Ali Lauiti'iti has signed a two-year extension to his contract with English league club Leeds until the end of 2008.

Lauiti'iti, 26, joined Leeds last year from the New Zealand Warriors, and was initially contracted until the end of 2006.

But Leeds moved to secure him long-term after he was linked with Australian National Rugby League (NRL) clubs, the Sporting Life website reported.

"Ali is a tremendous talent and an integral part of our squad," Leeds coach Tony Smith said in announcing the contract extension.

Lauiti'iti, who will likely be part of the Kiwis squad for the British leg of the Tri-Nations series in November, was happy to have secured his future at the club.

"My wife Janina and baby Salome are settled in Leeds and we are really looking forward to the next three years," he said.

Leeds are currently second on the British Super League points table, five points behind the Daniel Anderson-coached St Helens.

- NZPA