THE Leigh Centurions exodus continues with the confirmed departure of head of rugby Keiron Cunningham along with import players Daniel Mortimer and Kyle Lovett.

The failure to reach the Middle 8s, and with it the chance to fight for a return to Super League, had already led to the exit of Peter Matautia, Harrison Hansen, Bodene Thompson, Jordan Thompson, Ben Crooks and Craig Hall, who are now with other clubs.

Centurions have had no choice but to cut their costs, with their share of funds from the sport's pool set to severely drop.

Club owner Derek Beaumont said: "Keiron has been very loyal to me and was devastated by the shortcomings of the squad.

"He has received a lot of criticism about the recruitment but that was done collectively with Neil Jukes and myself and the players have shown they were good enough at times, in particular against Wigan and Saints pre-season and then Salford in the Challenge Cup.

"He feels very much for me and the position this has left the club in and realises that it can't survive unless the contracts it's obligated to are removed.

"To that end he has terminated his contract with immediate effect having worked hard in the transfer week to find other clubs for some of the higher earners.

"I would like to thank Kieron for his time at the club.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Daniel Mortimer and Kyle Lovett who have also accepted some responsibility and terminated their contracts in the best interests of the club going forward to return home with no short-term future.

"I would also like to thank Peter Matautia, Harrison Hansen, Bodene Thompson, Jordan Thompson, Ben Crooks and Craig Hall for their time at the club and for agreeing to move to other clubs, terminating deals that went beyond this year and making personal sacrifices in the best interests of the club.

"I wish all of them well and hope Keiron can return to the game in the near future as I believe he has a lot to offer it and the sport can't afford to lose its former stars."

Keiron Cunningham, 41, joined the club as head of rugby a year ago after a stellar playing career and short stint as head coach at his hometown St Helens.

Daniel Mortimer, 29, moved to England towards the end of last season from Cronulla after a distinguished career in the NRL.

He scored nine tries in 19 games for Leigh Centurions to take his career tally to 35 tries in 148 games with 10 goals.

Kyle Lovett, 25, was a close-season signing from Wests Tigers having made 50 NRL appearances. He scored four tries in ten games for Leigh Centurions.