LEIGH Centurions boss Tony Benson has added Australian stand-off Julian O'Neill and ex-Wigan and Great Britain legend Andy Gregory to his coaching staff.

O'Neill, who has also been made club captain, will take charge of the Under 18s while Gregory is back in the game as coaching co-ordinator.

Benson is delighted with the appointments and feels the club is now in the right position to make progress across the board.

"Both these guys can offer this club great experience and expertise," says Benson.

O'Neill volunteered to take charge of the Under 18s Academy set up and will soon begin work on taking his coaching badges.

"Jules wants to move into coaching after his playing career is over and this is an ideal first step, " says Benson. "In his first few weeks at the club he's been fantastic on the field, off the field and in training. I had no hesitation in naming him captain after the way he handled the side against Widnes." Paul Rowley will be vice captain.

Gregory has been out of the professional game since 2001 but his list of duties at Hilton Park now includes: scouting, mentoring players, assisting all coaches across the club, monitoring player development and tying in training from the senior team and down through the Academy teams.

Benson said: "I am very excited to have such an experienced person involved with the club. He has so much enthusiasm for success and the future of Leigh. With the coaches we now have in place and the experience of the likes of Greg and Alex Murphy, I think we've got a great set-up."