LEIGH Centurions have signed Brendan Elliot on a contract until the end of the 2018 season following his release from Gold Coast Titans.

Brisbane born Elliot is a versatile and experienced back who can play centre, wing or full back.

After making his NRL debut for Sydney Roosters in 2014 he later played for Newcastle Knights before joining up with Gold Coast this season. He has scored 19 tries in 39 NRL appearances.

Centurions owner Derek Beaumont confirmed that Head of Rugby Keiron Cunningham has been working tirelessly to strengthen the Centurions squad.

Beaumont said: "We have been actively seeking quality additions to strengthen the squad for some time without success, and Keiron has been working hard on his overseas contacts on a daily basis, which has finally paid dividends with the signing of Brendan, who comes highly recommended from our contacts at the Gold Coast.

"He is a good defender with lots of pace which will be a welcome addition to the team.

"It is a very difficult period at the Club as it really is up in the air as to where we will finish but I have to make decisions on the basis that we will make the four to put us in a good place to mount a challenge to return to Super League, if we do as it will be too late once we know our fate.

"There will also be a further announcement of another overseas player this week which will complete our recruitment for the season, and I believe with everyone fit and free from suspensions, we will have the quality to be serious contenders in the Qualifiers should we make them.

"The last two games at the Sports Village will be massive for us as it looks like it could all come down to points difference, so it would be great for the lads if we could get a big crowd behind us for both of those games to really lift them.

"We have seen some real loyal support during difficult times this season and I would like to thank everyone that has stuck by us, as that is when you need it the most, and it is what has kept me motivated to keep investing and fighting on.

"It would be great to see some of those that supported us in Super League that may come to the Qualifiers games turning up for these last two home games. Hopefully together we can come through with enough to secure our future so we can continue building the club as we intended.

"All we can do is our best and the lads have turned up week in week out in desperate circumstances. It would be nice to make it over the line and start from scratch in a new competition I think the lads deserve that. It’s certainly going to go to the wire and is a great advert for the quality of the Championship and how far it has come. Irrespective which eight teams end up in the Qualifiers it is going to be a humdinger of a competition!"