AFTER confirming Leigh Centurions will play on this season, a new signing has been revealed along with news that the services of one of their vice-captains have been retained.

The new arrival is experienced forward Adam Walker for the remainder of 2020 and the 2021 season, while Liam Hood is the man to have re-signed.

Walker, who played for Salford Red Devils in last season's Super League Grand Final defeat to St Helens at Old Trafford, has a wealth of Super League experience and has also represented Scotland at international level on 10 occasions.

After making his professional debut with Huddersfield Giants, Bradford-born Walker went on to play for Hull KR for whom he made more than 100 appearances, scoring eight tries.

In 2017, Walker joined St Helens before a short spell with Wakefield and in 2019 he moved to Salford Red Devils where he became a regular in the team that impressed so many by reaching the Grand Final with a stunning run in the play-offs.

He scored four tries in 26 appearances for Ian Watson's side last term and came off the bench for the Grand Final.

The 29-year-old said: "I feel I play my best rugby for coaches who know my game and John Duffy certainly knows all about me from when we've worked together at Scotland.

"Leigh are a good club with a great fanbase and I'm looking forward to eventually playing in front of their supporters.

"This feels like the right move for me and I have a lot of respect for the owner Derek Beaumont who I know to be a good guy from when my brother Jonny was there.

"Watching the games recently with the return of Super League has really made me want to get out there again and it's quite frustrating for a player when you're itching to be on the field.

"I am looking forward to playing for John regularly, he's a coach I rate highly and someone who played the game to a high standard."

Duffy said: "In my eyes, when Adam is on his game he is a top end Super League quality player.

"He knows the game inside and out and his performances for me in a Scotland shirt were absolutely top quality, especially against Australia and New Zealand."

Centurions owner Beaumont said: "Adam is a proven quality forward who I have known for some time since his brother played for us some years ago.

"He has been through a tough period and is on the right side of it and chose our club above a Super League club because he knows the support he will receive and that he will build with us to the pressure pot of Super League as we grow into it again ourselves.

Despite interest from a number of Super League clubs since the Championship season was suspended back in March, Scottish international hooker Hood says it was a "no brainer" to stay at Leigh Centurions.

He said: "I am extremely happy here and relieved to have got my contract already sorted for 2021. It was a no brainer for me to sign for Leigh Centurions again.

"With everything that's happened this year it's been such a disappointment that this squad hasn't had the chance to show what I believe it's capable of.

"We were all geared up to have a real dig at promotion this year and it was even more disappointing given the way we started the season.

"John Duffy had built a really good squad and we were all enjoying our rugby. I am confident the club will have an even stronger squad for next year and I think these are exciting times to be a Leigh Centurions fan."

Born in Bradford, 28-year-old Hood started his professional career at Leeds Rhinos where he impressed in loan stints at both Hunslet Hawks and Dewsbury Rams.

He had spells with Salford and Swinton before arriving at Leigh in 2016, and quickly establishing himself as one of the squad's most consistent performers.

After a brief spell with Widnes Vikings, he returned to Leigh in 2019.

Duffy said: "This is a massive signing for us. There was a lot of interest from Super League clubs in Liam during lockdown so it's brilliant to have Liam stay with us for 2021.

"He has matured into a real leader on and off the pitch as we saw not only in pre-season but in the early games of this year. I had no hesitation in making him one of our Vice Captains and I know the fans will be absolutely delighted with this news."

Beaumont has now confirmed that Leigh will play in the new competition proposed by the RFL for later in the year.

Leigh's owner made the decision on the back of few fans season-ticket holders requesting refunds, instead choosing to help the club's financial position in wht continue to be difficult times due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"Further to the previous statement inviting season ticket holders and sponsors to request a refund I can confirm that the club is overwhelmed by the support shown by its loyal sponsors and supporters and the messages of support displayed on social media," he said.

"As at the deadline, a total of 113 requests had been made (mixed refund and credit note) giving a clear indication of support of the Club.

"The operational board understands the differing circumstances of individual situations and therefore, given the low number of requests, has decided to deal with the refund requests by way of a prompt cash refund, where requested, on the basis that we believe those who have requested a refund have only done so because their circumstances dictate this and therefore receiving the cash will assist them during these difficult times.

"I am overwhelmed by the support of our fans and sponsors and this will be the making of the Club and guarantees my continued investment.

"The Club will now give the RFL the green light that Leigh Centurions wishes to take part in the Autumn competition and will also, with permission from the RFL, stream the games live to its season ticket holders that have not been refunded and also make available the games on a pay-per-view basis to non-season ticket holders.

"There are now exciting times ahead for Leigh Centurions and it is purely based on the support shown by the sponsors and season ticket holders."