LEIGH Centurions have been boosted ahead of Sunday's Kingstone Press Championship opener with Bradford Bulls with the news that full-back Gregg McNally has signed an improved and extended contract that runs until November 2018.

Centurions head of rugby Derek Beaumont who, along with head coach Paul Rowley, has been delighted with McNally's commitment to the club, said, “Gregg has bought into the journey we are on and has moved his wife and family from Yorkshire to live in Leigh.

"That shows a firm commitment to our club and the skills and commitment he has demonstrated in pre-season training have led us to reward him by offering him improved terms on his existing contract.

“It may seem a little strange in our sport and perhaps even unprecedented to approach a player and give him more than he had agreed to. I like to think this demonstrates the honesty and family values of our club to do the right thing.

“I feel the same situation exists with one of our other players and I will be looking to address that next. If I feel going forward that the situation happens around other players I will act accordingly. This enables players to feel challenged and fresh with opportunities to improve, even if they are on long-term contracts and I think that's incremental in maintaining ambition.”

Rowley added: “I am delighted to add Gregg to a growing list of players secured on long-term contracts. Gregg was one of my original signings when I began my tenure as head coach and so I am very pleased to be able to continue to work with him.

“His skills and ability are there to see every week but in addition to all that talent he is a fantastic lad and a very popular team member and I am sure his team-mates will be as delighted by this news as I am.”

Ireland international Gregg said of his new deal; “It’s nice to be rewarded for all the hard work that I’ve put in. Derek has always been honest by saying that if players do better than their current deal he will improve it. I absolutely love the club.

“It will hopefully pick up performances and get other players looking that if he can do it, then I can as well.”

He added: “I’m enjoying every minute here; it’s a smaller town than Huddersfield, a bit like Whitehaven. My family and kids are loving it here. It’s a bit of security for the family and it’s nice to know that I’ll be here for a long time and I’m probably playing some of the best rugby of my career.”

Centurions, who are urging fans to buy tickets in advance of Sunday's Championship opener, have entered into an agreement with Bravo Inns to sell tickets at The Hilton Park, The Canal Turn, Red Lion, Westleigh Lane and Punch Bowl, Atherton.

Leigh's Easter Monday (April 6) fixture against Workington Town will kick off at 1.30pm.

And following a dogged performance by Paul Anderson’s young players in Sunday's final pre-season friendly against Oldham Roughyeds, which the Centurions edged 11-10, Leigh have added a reserve friendly that sees them take on Rochdale Hornets first team in a further trial on February 24, at Leigh East, following on from the rearranged Steve Maden testimonial game against a Leigh amateur select on 19th February.