PAUL Rowley has moved quickly to bolster the ranks following the end of Leigh Centurions' record-breaking winning run.

French international Mathias Pala joined the club from Catalan Dragons for a nominal fee just days after London Broncos inflicted a first defeat in 28 matches.

The 29-20 loss at the Hive and a victory for Bradford Bulls at the weekend saw the Yorkshire club move level on points with Leigh at the top of the Championship table.

But after also losing fellow back to Michael Platt to a knee ligament injury, Rowley believes Pala's arrival will provide a timely boost.

"It's good to have Mathias join us as we approach the business end of the season," he said.

"He's been on our radar for a while but we were more than happy with the players we had.

"However in losing Platt, we need to keep up the competition in that area to ensure the pressure in all areas remains consistent."

The 25-year-old three-quarter has signed until the end of the 2016 season, with the option to extend his stay for another year,

Before signing for the Dragons, Pala had spells at Balmain Tigers, UTC and Limoux.

He was originally capped by France in 2011 and was a part of the international squad in 2012 before playing in their successful European Championship campaign last term.

He has scored three tries in eight internationals and is a versatile back, able to play in the centre or on the wing.

Pala follows fellow countrymen Sebastien Martins and Damien Couturier (2007) to play for Leigh.

"Mathias is very strong with good feet and is proven at Super League and international level so is a positive addition to our family," said head of rugby Derek Beaumont.

"Losing Michael Platt at this stage with an operation needed on his knee is an obvious blow and Mathias neutralises that initial loss and in the longer term, gives us more strength in depth."

Centurions have also been boosted this week after Ben Reynolds agreed to sign a new three-year contract with the club.

The 21 year-old recently made his first team debut against Halifax and was in good form during the club's recent success at Whitehaven.

Having been signed professionally by Castleford Tigers from Featherstone Lions, Reynolds enjoyed an excellent campaign last season as a regular with York City Knights and had a month on-loan with Doncaster earlier this season.

"I am delighted that Ben has chosen to stay and continue his development with us despite other opportunities that were available to him," said Rowley.

"He is a fantastic lad and really adds value on and off the pitch."

Beaumont added: "Ben has really settled in well at the club and is a great character, well-liked by everyone involved.

"He has established himself amongst the lads and has come on leaps and bounds.

"He has shown what he is all about with some great performances in pre-season, particularly against Wigan, and more recently in his first-team debut against Halifax, where he arguably changed the game.

"Ben is a tough competitor who understandably wants to succeed as quickly as possible, but he realises he needs to be patient within the squad and that is something he is prepared to do.

"He is a good listener and knows that I have his best interests at heart.

"He believes in Paul and the rest of the coaching staff and has really bought into what Leigh Centurions are all about.

"I am delighted with his progress and commitment to what he has been offered and I look forward to a long-lasting relationship with Ben in a Leigh shirt."

Leigh face their fifth straight away match this weekend at Batley Bulldogs, who are third bottom in the Championship with just four wins all season.

They could welcome back Matthew Sarsfield, Fuifui Moimoi and Jamie Acton to the squad as they look to get back to winning ways.