LEIGH Centurions have landed one of the most promising young Australian forwards to emerge from Sydney in recent years.

Rugby League pundits in Australia predict a big future for 20-year-old second row or prop Steve Driscoll from the South Sydney club.

Driscoll comes to Hilton Park on the recommendation of Souths coach Steve Martin who was at Featherstone Rovers until two years ago.

Driscoll has agreed Leigh's match terms and will pay his own air fare to England in the New Year. He carries a British passport, as his father was born in Durham, with Driscoll himself being born in Fiji.

Glowing testimonials from Souths say: "Steve Driscoll is a model young professional who has a tremendous attitude to training and playing.

"He is an extremely coachable young man who has a huge future in the game."

Although he has no first grade experience, Driscoll played a leading role as Souths Under 20's side reached last season's Jersey Flegg competition semi-final.

Driscoll tells Leigh: "I'm keen to come to England and continue my rugby education while still young at a stable club like Leigh who have a reputation of playing the game in the right way.

"Steve Martin tells me Leigh is a club that does things the right way and that had a big influence on my decision."

Driscoll will feel Hilton Park is something of a home from home with Leigh agreeing a one-year deal with second rower Matt Nixon, the Aussie who made a big impact last season before a knee injury cut things short.

A third Aussie, hooker Nick Jenkins, is also expected to re-sign.

Leigh have also tied up another player to a one-year deal, stand-off or loose-forward Andy Fairclough.

Division One fixtures will be published in the Evening News on Monday.

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