TOM Armstrong has agreed a two-year full-time playing contract with Leigh Centurions for the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

The 24-year-old centre has been in fine form for the record-breaking Centurions this season, forming a potent left-wing partnership with Liam Kay.

After making a try-scoring debut for hometown club St Helens in 2009, Tom played for Leigh on a dual contract basis in 2011, scoring the match-winning try in their Northern Rail Cup Final victory over Halifax.

He played for Swinton Lions in 2012 and last season scored 19 tries in 35 appearances for Kingstone Press Championship winners Sheffield Eagles before re-joining the Centurions.

In 107 first-class games so far Armstrong has scored 58 tries, including one in an impressive performance against Leeds Rhinos in last Friday’s Tetley’s Challenge Cup quarter-final.

Leigh Head Coach Paul Rowley said: “I am delighted to have secured Tom’s services to extend his career with Leigh Centurions. He has been outstanding since he rejoined the Club. His enthusiasm and application in training and playing is top notch and he is an all-round nice guy and a popular team member.

“Tom is very low maintenance for the coaching staff and is a model of consistency. It is especially pleasing to secure his services at a time when the vultures were swarming around.

"A lot of our players made people sit up and take notice with their performances against Leeds. Tom is continuing with his studies and is currently undertaking a Masters degree and I am committed to supporting him in this regard.”

Centurions Head of Rugby Derek Beaumont said: “Tom is a quality individual as well as a great player. He is very switched on and currently doing a Masters degree, something Paul Rowley is keen to work around with Tom and his tutor to ensure he sees that through during his full-time contract.

“I believe this is testament to Paul’s respect for his players and their futures. He is very protective of them and always eager to act in their best interests. There is a clear benefit to having a former international player as a head coach as he has a great understanding of both sides of the coin.

“Tom was a target we went hard for at the end of last season and he has proved Paul right with his performances, which have been consistently excellent, culminating with his efforts against Leeds.

"I am extremely pleased to secure his short-term future and look forward to him enjoying a long career with our club going forward as we reach our goals together with the other signings we have made.

“There is a real positive vibe at the club at the moment and I believe we have clearly demonstrated that our current squad is capable of competing in Super League.

"The vast majority of that squad is secured for the next two years and we are continuing negotiations which makes it a great time to be a Leigh Centurions fan.”