SAM Barlow has signed a five-year full-time contract with Leigh Centurions.

The deal commences on December 1, 2014, running until November 30, 2019.

Barlow, aged 26, who represented Scotland in the 2013 World Cup, joined Centurions from his hometown club Halifax and has been outstanding in his first season at the LSV, playing a big part in the club's successful season so far.

Leigh Centurions Head Coach Paul Rowley said: "I amdelighted to retain Sam and have the pleasure of coaching him for the next five years. He is a very popular team member and an outstanding player.

"Sam has proven to be a leader on and off the field and I am sure the supporters of this club will be as happy as me at this fantastic signing and looking forward to Sam become a Leigh legend over the coming years."

Leigh Centurions Head of Rugby Derek Beaumont said: "He is a vital part of the jigsaw we are putting together for next season and beyond. This year he has been one of the best players, if not the best player in the Kingstone Press Championship and he has a great future at the club.

"It's the longest deal we have done at the club for many, many years and Paul Rowley believes that working with Sam full-time he can develop him into an even better player. Paul firmly believes Sam has the ability to become one of the best players in the game and I am looking forward to seeing him achieve that."