David Fusitua'a will link up with the Leeds Rhinos squad in the next fortnight after the club booked his flights to the UK.
Fusitu'a is one of four major signings linking up with the Rhinos next season but is currently the only first-team player not to report to Headingley for pre-season training.
But having now been granted a work permit, the Rhinos have now booked his flights and he will join the squad before Christmas.
It's a boost for coach Richard Agar, who is looking forward to the arrival of his new recruit.
"As we know, David has been on the road for a long time and he's been living in a hotel," he said.
"We tossed up the idea and we both felt with a young baby, going to New Zealand would be good from a personal point of view.
"But due to Covid and the rules in place it's a bit of a lottery getting in, so we've given up on the idea he's going to New Zealand. He's flown to America as he has family there to catch up with. But he is keen to get out as soon as he can and get into his routine over here. His flights are booked for the second week of December."
The 27-year-old was the NRL's top try-scorer in 2018, scoring a staggering 23 tries.
In recent years injuries have set him back, but Agar is confident he can recapture the form that saw him regarded as one of the world's best wingers.
"We understand the reasons for his lack of football," Agar said.
"If Dave hits his straps, if his fitness and form get where it can be, we know what a talent we have on our hands. He's looking forward to getting here, the challenge of Super League, the adventure from a family point of view is something he's really looking forward to, getting out of the Covid and the hotel lifestyle and getting some routine family life.
"He's a lot of friends over here too that he's come up with through the grades with.
"We're excited, we've all seen the highlight reels, the spectacular finishes, we're really looking forward to getting him familiar with our group and to a point where he can be such a pivotal player for us."
