LEIGH Centurions have reached agreement with Hull FC to secure the services of Richard Whiting, 31, on a two month's loan agreement.

Whiting is a vastly experienced and highly respected player who cut short a scholarship with Barnsley FC to begin his professional career with Featherstone Rovers, earning the accolade of National League One Young Player of the Year in 2003.

He joined Hull in 2004 and soon became a huge favourite of the fans for his ability, commitment and his consistent and versatile performances.

He famously scored an opportunist try in Hull's thrilling 25-24 Challenge Cup Final victory over Leeds at the Millennium Stadium in 2005 and was in the Black and Whites side defeated by St Helens in the 2006 Grand Final at Old Trafford.

He also made three international appearances for England between 2004 and 2006 and in his 14-year professional career has made 282 senior appearances and scored 84 tries, also kicking 36 goals and two drop-goals.

In 2014 he was granted a ten year testimonial with Hull FC and enjoyed a benefit game against Featherstone Rovers.

He has also been involved coaching Hull FC's youth team and having regularly featured in supporters' Player of the Year awards is widely respected in the city.

Last season he scored three tries in 17 appearances for Hull FC, to take his tally for the club to 78 tries in 257 games.

Leigh Centurions Head Coach Neil Jukes said: "Across the back line we are decimated at the moment but Richard hasn't come into cover the spots but claim his spot.

"He's keen to come and we're keen to have him.

"Everyone I have spoken to about him says he is a great professional and low maintenance and the more people like that we have around the club the better. He is genuine quality and will greatly add competition for places across the board and develop what we do. It's a good time for him to join us as we have some real tough fixtures coming up.

"To be fair we looked at Richard preseason and tried to get to a point where we could take him to Lanzarote with us but at the time it didn't develop.

"So it's not a panic thing, he's a player we've identified who we know will fit in right, provide competition across all the back line and I'm really looking forward to working with him."

Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont said: "I have said all along I will do what is necessary and react accordingly to give us every opportunity of achieving our goal.

"We are completely bust up at the moment and Neil has been under immense pressure to field a team this weekend. It really is backs to the wall at the moment but that can in itself galvanise a team.

"We approached Hull before Christmas to bring Richard in but he had gone really well in their pre-season and they wanted to keep him in their fold.

"He is another proven quality Super League player that still has time on his side.

"He has won a Challenge Cup and appeared in more than 250 top flight games and it's not surprising the Hull faithful label him their 'Superman'.

"Whilst Richard is here to regain a spot with Hull we have no doubt he will be committed and determined to show his worth as that in itself will be what is required to achieve that.

"We will make sure he enjoys his rugby with us and I know our fans will embrace him when he makes his appearance at the LSV.

"I would like to thank Hull FC and in particular Motu Tony, with whom I have a good relationship, for his assistance in this regard which is greatly appreciated."