LEIGH Centurions will unveil a major overseas signing later this week. Hilton Park officials have completed lengthy contract talks with an Aussie back row forward but are keeping his identity under wraps until the weekend.

He is a 22-year-old who played 16 out of 24 first grade games for Gold Coast Chargers in last season's national competition in Australia.

Coach Ian Millward has played his cards close to his chest, fearing any early announcement would alert rival clubs to the players' availability. "We've got a real bargain with this guy," he says. "He's tough and powerful and will be a great addition to our squad. I've not been able to release his name until the contract was signed and sealed."

Millward plans to unveil his latest recruit at a sponsor's dinner at Hilton Park on Saturday night.

Leigh will find out tomorrow night their amateur opponents in the third round of the Silk Cut Challenge Cup. The draw will be made live on GMR at 7.05pm.

Hilton Park admission prices for next season will be unchanged at £7.

St Helens have completed the signing of Sonny Nickle after the former Great Britain forward was released by Bradford. Nickle, 29, is joining Saints for the second time in his career after leaving Knowsley Road three years ago in the deal which brought Paul Newlove from Odsal.

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