LEIGH Centurions have confirmed the signing of former NRL fullback Caleb Aekins who becomes the latest addition to the playing squad ahead of the 2022 Betfred Championship campaign.

Aekins, 23, played seven games for Canberra Raiders in the current 2021 season after first making his NRL debut with Penrith Panthers in 2018.

New Zealand born of Welsh descent, Aekins is a member of Wales Train-On squad for the World Cup.

Leigh Centurions head of rugby Chris Chester confirmed his delight at Aekins’s signing and revealed that he came highly recommended by England international Josh Hodgson, who played alongside him at Canberra.

“Caleb’s signing is very important to us and means that we have the spine of the team sorted out,” Chris Chester said.

“He’s a player I’ve monitored for a couple of seasons and when I contacted Josh, who’s a good friend of mine, he spoke very highly of Caleb.

“Caleb is young, fit and can’t wait to get over here and play for Leigh Centurions. He plays in a pivotal position and it’s a huge signing for our club.

“He will set the Betfred Championship alight in 2022.”

Speaking from his home in Canberra, Caleb said; “I am looking forward to coming to the United Kingdom. My manager and I had a long chat and he said that the experience of playing in the English game would do me good.

"I have watched a few games on television and spoken to some of the boys who have played in the UK, including George Williams and Josh Hodgson and they both said that Leigh Centurions is a good club to join.

"Hopefully I will get over in the next couple of weeks and meet everyone.”