LEIGH Centurions have appointed Gary Eccleston as Player Performance Manager.

In a coaching career spanning 18 years, Eccleston, inset, has been a county coach, North west Regional Camp manager, and player and community coach development officer, as well as taking up other roles in the game.

Leigh Chief Executive Allan Rowley said: "We are delighted to welcome Gary on board.

"Rather than advertise this post, we had consultations with Lee Crooks and Graeme Thompson from the RFL Performance Department.

"Having run the rule over Gary, we are confident that we have the right man for the job."