Lauiti'iti was linked with several Super League clubs

The Rhinos beat off competition from Super League and Australian NRL clubs to land the 24-year-old second rower.

Lauiti'iti, who was released by New Zealand Warriors last month, could make his debut at home to Salford on 28 May.

Wigan and St Helens were keen to sign him but had no room on their overseas quota or salary cap, while Hull are thought to have made a late bid.

Leeds were able to make the signing as they have a vacancy on their quota and room under the cap.

"We are bringing one of the world's most dynamic and exciting rugby players to Headingley," said Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington.

"When we signed Iestyn Harris in 1997 we likened it to the signing of Lewis Jones.

"Similarly, the capture of Ali could be as significant as when the legendary Arthur Clues joined the club in 1947.

His abilities will complement the type of game we try and play Leeds coach Tony Smith

"Arthur arrived from Australia having become an international at a young age.

"He was blessed with great ball handling skills, speed and elusive footwork, all characteristics that Ali shares.

"We are planning to bring Ali over in the next 10 days with the aim for him to make his debut at our next home game."

Lauitiiti was once described as "the Michael Jordan of rugby league" for his outrageous ball handling skills.

He was on the Kiwi tour to Great Britain in 2002, playing in all three Tests, and has 11 caps in all.

Leeds coach Tony Smith said: "I am very excited about Ali coming to Headingley.

"He is an extremely talented, young player but unusually for someone of his age he also has so much experience having played over 100 NRL games and 11 Test matches.

"He will fit in well with our group of players and his abilities will complement the type of game we try and play."

Lauiti'iti is also applying for a Samoan passport, which would remove him from the overseas quota and make him an even more desirable acquisition.

He was a key member of the Warriors team which reached the NRL Grand Final in 2002 and appeared in 115 games for them, scoring 33 tries.