DANIEL Mortimer will continue his career with Leigh next season in their fight to regain their Betfred Super League status.

Mortimer made a big impression late in the 2017 season after signing from Cronulla Sharks, scoring two tries in seven games and has now recovered from a serious bicep injury sustained in the Qualifiers game against Widnes Vikings which ruled him out for the rest of the campaign.

Leigh Centurions Head Coach Neil Jukes said: "I am delighted that Daniel is returning to our Club. He made a big impact as soon as he came over, both on game day and in practice.

"He got in some really solid performances until injury ruled him out for the rest of the season.

"As we continue on our journey we need outstanding and professional athletes like Daniel, whose resume speaks for itself."

Centurions owner Derek Beaumont said: "I'm really pleased that Daniel has shown some real commitment to the Club to adapt to enable to move forward with him, despite having the opportunity to return back to Cronulla, especially given he is about to get married out there later this year.

"The family feel of our Club and supporters played a vital role in Daniel's decision as he enjoys his time here and wants that time to be associated with success not failure.

"Like me he has the vision that you have not failed at something until it has finished."

Mortimer said: "I can’t wait to get back on the field in a Leigh jersey I feel I have got unfinished business there. I came to do a job and was gutted when I got injured and was unable to play my part it was really hard watching what happened from the side.

"The fans made me feel really welcome and I owe it to them to work hard to get back to Super League next year and I am fully committed to playing my part in that."

From a famous Rugby League family, Mortimer's father and three uncles all played the game to a high level and between them amassed a total of 738 NRL games.

Dad Peter and uncles Steve and Chris all played for Canterbury Bulldogs while uncle Glen played for Cronulla. Steve and Chris also represented Australia while Peter also played 22 games for Hull KR in the 1987-88 season.

A former Australian Schoolboys representative, Sydney born Daniel Mortimer began his NRL career with Parramatta Eels in 2009.

He was voted NRL Rookie of the Year in his debut season when the Eels lost to Melbourne Storm in the grand final. And after moving on to Sydney Roosters in 2012 Mortimer came off the bench to feature in their 26-18 grand final defeat of Manly.

Mortimer joined Gold Coast during the 2014 season and moved to Cronulla in 2017. He scored 21 tries and kicked ten goals in a total of 127 NRL games and also represented the Prime Minister's XIII.