LEIGH Centurions have announced the signing of Liam Hood on a two year contract until the end of 2017.

Bradford born, Liam, 24, has played Super League for Leeds Rhinos and Salford Red Devils and has gained international experience with Scotland.

He made 22 appearances for Salford in 2015, playing alongside his new Leigh Centurions colleagues Rangi Chase, Harrison Hansen, Gareth Hock, Reni Maitua and Cory Paterson and played against Leigh in the Challenge Cup-tie between the two sides last season.

After signing professional forms from Stanningley and emerging through the ranks at Leeds, making his Super League debut in 2012, he was released at the end of that season (when he scored three tries in five games) frustrated by the lack of first-team opportunities.

Liam enjoyed a successful stint at a dual registration player at Dewsbury Rams in 2012 and impressed with Hunslet Hawks in 2013 and 2014, starring in the Hawks' dramatic Championship One grand final success over Oldham before getting another opportunity of being a full-time player with Salford. This year he has played for fellow Kingstone Press Championship club Swinton Lions after cutting short an intended move to play in the Queensland competition.

Leigh Centurions Head Coach Neil Jukes said: "Liam is a good quality, honest player with a burning desire to achieve success with Leigh Centurions. He has the pedigree to enhance the current squad and is fighting fit and ready to go.

"He's a good kid, a tough competitor who is in good nick, having played long minutes for Swinton. I'd like to thank Swinton for not standing in his way when the chance came for him to go full-time again. They've done the right thing by the player and should be commended for that.

"When I spoke to Liam his excitement at the chance of coming to the Club came across in bucket loads. He's seen the facilities, seen the potential, seen the quality of players we have in the squad, seen the team spirit we have.

"He comes from good stock and has been in some good environments. He has a lot of experience and is a tough kid defensively. I like what he brings to the group and am looking forward to working with him.

"He gives us strength in a position we've been struggling in with Bob Beswick's ankle injury. Lewis Foster is a great young kid and Micky Higham has been playing with injections and Liam's arrival strengthens a key area."

Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont said: "I have said all along I will react as necessary to situations that arise to give us the best possible chance of achieving our goals and the addition of Liam is testament to that. He is another proven Super League player coming into the squad.

"Having met him with Neil and his agent Karl Harrison I was only too pleased to yet again support Neil’s vision for the squad with my money. Liam is a pacy player and I am looking forward to seeing him in action."