WATERLOO RU have given up their bid to sign Leigh's Tongan international centre Jimmy Veikoso.

The Courage League Division Two side had been keen on a permanent deal after Veikoso had impressed in a series of trials.

But any hopes of a deal have fallen through because the Liverpool-based club have been unable to get a work permit for Veikoso.

Leigh anticipate no such problems when they apply for a renewal of his documentation from the Department of Employment. But the red-tape wrangle has infuriated Waterloo. One offical said: "It seems silly the player will be issued with a work permit to play pro rugby league but not pro rugby union."

Meanwhile, Leigh will this week consider a request from prop Ged Stazicker to join the Hilton Park coaching staff. He announced his retirement two weeks ago after finally conceding defeat in his long battle to overcome persistent knee trouble.

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