LIAM Kay has signed a three-year full-time contract with Leigh Centurions that will commence on December 1.

The 22-year-old has been in outstanding form for the Centurions this season, scoring 21 tries in 19 appearances including five tries in the recent victory over Barrow Raiders.

Kay originally joined the Centurions from Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on a two-year deal, having spent much of the 2013 season playing on dual registration at Doncaster where his displays caught the eyes of a number of top Championship clubs.

Head coach Paul Rowley said: "We worked really hard to sign Liam originally after he shone playing against us for Doncaster. During his time with us Liam has got better and better. He plays with aggression and passion and is hugely popular with fellow players, staff and fans.

"Liam Kay has the X-factor. It is a huge coup to retain his services and he is an integral part of a very young team that is on an upward spiral.

"He originally came to us as a half-back but fate determined he played on the wing at Barrow in the second game of the season and he has been there ever since. I see his long-term future as a winger but the beauty of Liam is that he can play anywhere."

Together with team-mates Tom Spencer, Michael Ostick and Ryan Brierley Kay has been working for Leigh Community Trust, a factor which was pivotal in his signing.

Head of Rugby Derek Beaumont added: "Liam is a great guy. Tough and uncompromising on the field and clearly a favourite among the fans off it. He always makes himself available to the fans and it's clear for all to see how quickly they have taken to him.

"It's no secret we went hard for Liam in the close season and were able to convince him that we were his best option. It's comforting now that already after only half the season he can see that it was the right decision.

"He has reinforced that by penning a deal that sees him at the club until the end of 2017. I believe he will continue to grow and become a really special player. I look forward to watching him continue to give Ridy the difficult kicks from the touch lines."