LEIGH Centurions have entered a dual registration partnership with Kingstone Press League One club Whitehaven RLFC for the 2017 season.

This partnership will run concurrently with the Club's existing agreement with Championship side Sheffield Eagles.

As part of the arrangement winger David Thompson will be available to play for Whitehaven in their Championship One opener at South Wales on Sunday.

Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont has worked closely with Head Coach Neil Jukes on the partnership.

Mr Beaumont said: "With the partnership at Sheffield working well in the early stages we were happy to also add to that to facilitate a game opportunity for where Sheffield weren't in need of any of our players.

"Whitehaven are a club steeped in history and remain our friends from when they were our main competitors in 2004, narrowly losing out to us in extra time for us to claim a place in Super League.

"Unfortunately they have had difficult times to overcome and it is good to see that they are re-building from League One and we hope that we are able to help them do this.

"Dave Thompson is a good young player who came through an excellent set up at Warrington, playing Super League on loan at Hull KR and it is for that reason we brought him to the club to develop him as a player for our future.

"At this stage his chances are limited so this partnership enables us to have him in a competitive game day environment where he can continue to develop and be monitored whilst staying with us as a full time professional.

"Jukesy will work closely with them for the benefit of both parties and as we look to build our squad and reserves side for next year the relationship will naturally be able to grow."

Amanda Hewer, Whitehaven RLFC General Manager, said: "We are very pleased to announce we have joined up with Leigh Centurions as dual registration partners for the 2017 season.

"Leigh have a lot of depth in their squad and we have suffered immensely during the off season due to injuries and suspensions. This partnership will allow us to cover any shortfall in our squad.

"Leigh are a fantastic club and we are looking forward to working with them during the season. The partnership will begin this weekend against South Wales as winger David Thompson is available to play for us."