FORMER Leigh Centurions skipper Kieron Purtill is leaving Hilton Park.

Forced into premature retirement by a persistent shoulder injury, the scrum-half is joining the backroom team at Super League neighbours St Helens.

Leigh boss Paul Terzis says: "Kieron has been a wonderful servant to this club and it's just a pity that his playing days had to come to an end in such a fashion.

"But's he's now got the chance to work with Ian Millward at St Helens and I'm sure he'll do a great job in whatever role he takes. I'm convinced that Kieron will make a fine coach one day and hopefully he'll be back at Leigh eventually in some capacity.

"He goes with the best wishes of all the players, staff and fans."