LEIGH Centurions have confirmed the signing of England international Josh Charnley.

The winger has joined the club on loan until the end of the season from Warrington Wolves, with a further two-year deal signed after the current campaign has finished.

Charnley, who turns 31 on Sunday, arrives at Leigh Sports Village with a prolific try-scoring record of 255 tries in 301 career games.

Head coach Adrian Lam said: “It is really exciting news for the club, the squad and me as coach.

“He brings us lot of experience, as he is one of the leading try-scorers of all time in Super League and coming into our group now is good timing for us all. It keeps people on their toes.

“Josh understands what his role will be here going forward. He will not just be shoved in at the deep end. He will need a couple of weeks training with us to earn his spot through that process.

“Keeping in mind, he is signing for the rest of this season, which is a massive immediate boost for us and looking into the future.

“This signing is another indicator of how aggressive we are with moving forward, as we sign another quality player.”

Charnley said: "I'm really excited at this opportunity to play for Leigh, become part of the team and contribute towards helping them get up to Super League where they belong.

"I've been watching them the past few weeks and the team seems like they're in a good place.

"I'll be looking to help out in any way possible, if that means helping to mentor the younger boys in the squad then yes I can't wait.

"Lammy seems to have the lads playing some good rugby and I'm excited to be added to the team.

"I've been extremely lucky to play alongside some of the best and they've helped me a lot in my career as a younger player and I still have players that I look up to and won't forget some of the lessons and advice they taught and gave to me.

"It would be an honour if I could impact someone's career in the same way."

He added: "I just want to enjoy my rugby again. The last few years been difficult on and off the field. I want to get back playing my best rugby again cause I'm far from finished and I've got a lot to give so let's go Leythers!"

Currently third in the all-time Super League list for tries scored, the Chorley-born outside back started his career at Chorley Panthers before developing through the Wigan Warriors junior ranks.

He made his senior debut on dual registration for Blackpool Panthers in 2010, his Super League bow during a loan spell at Hull KR before making his Wigan debut later that season.

Charnley scored 164 tries and kicked 103 goals in 173 games for Wigan before leaving the club at the end of the 2016 season for a short stint in rugby union with Sale Sharks.

He came back to rugby league with Warrington in 2018 and has scored 69 tries in 108 games for the Wolves.