LEIGH Centurions are pleased to confirm the signing of Luke Adamson to join John Duffy's squad in preparation for the new season.

Lowton born Adamson, 31, is a vastly experienced and respected forward and says he has fulfilled a long held ambition in joining up with the Centurions.

"My career has come full circle because I played my junior rugby with Leigh East," he explains. "Coaches like Phil Molyneux and Glen Campbell had a big impact on me at that crucial age between 15 and 17 and we went on tour to Australia in 2003 which was an incredible experience.

"Although I have only had a few training sessions I can already tell being at Leigh training under John Duffy that I've made the right decision coming here.

"Training so far has been brilliant and it's the best start to a pre-season I've ever had. John's man management is brilliant and preseason here is so different to that at other clubs. He involves one-on-ones and push games and makes it a lot of fun. It's not all been about being flogged. Everyone is on board."

Adamson spent seven years as a full-time professional with Salford, clocking up 135 games and after a short spell with rugby union giants Bath has gained extensive Championship experience in the last six seasons with Halifax, Dewsbury, Oldham and Rochdale Hornets.

That's allowed him to develop his own business and he's in partnership with brothers Toby and Josh in a flourishing concern based in Golborne that specialises in healthy eating.

"I loved my time at Salford and played under some great coaches who really developed my game," he says. "Alan Hunte was massive for me in the Academy and then Karl Harrison, Jimmy Lowes and Scott Naylor when I got in the first team."

Adamson quickly earned a reputation as a formidable tackling machine, regularly clocking up 50 tackles and more in games and featuring consistently in the competition's top defensive stats.

"As a kid I saw that as a good thing and got into that mindset that I wanted to top the charts every game," he reflects. "In retrospect it probably held me back and stopped me developing other parts of my game.

"Now I'm a far better player than I was at Salford. I've taken a step back, looked at things and much smarter and more involved with the ball. At Salford I maybe got stuck in a rut and moving to Halifax allowed me that opportunity to play a bit more.

"Playing alongside my brother Toby in recent years has also been a big thing. It's a completely different feeling having your brother alongside you on the field. When we first played together at Dewsbury it took my game to the next level. You get that extra energy and drive. Playing under Glenn Morrison was a good experience. He got on with his players, made them stick together and I got a real buzz out of playing under him.

"Last season at Rochdale was a struggle results wise but we all stuck together and ended up winning our last two games and avoiding the relegation play-off."

Those experiences, Adamson feels, will stand him in good stead at the start of his Leigh career. "I think we will pleasantly surprise people this year," he said. "As Duffy says talented players win games, teams win trophies. Being part-time makes you realise why you played Rugby League in the first place, for enjoyment and the love of the game. When you're full-time sometimes you forget that.

"Training at night after being at work all day is hard but you have to embrace it and enjoy it and I can't wait for the season to start and to play for the club.

"Leigh people have a real buzz and energy for the game and are so passionate about their club. It will be brilliant and I've got a real good feeling about this year."

Leigh Centurions head coach John Duffy said: "Luke's one of those players who's always wanted to play for Leigh.

"He got some real quality coaching at Leigh East that set him on his way through to Super League.

"Luke just wants to put on a Leigh Centurions shirt.

"Over the past few years he has got to know the Championship inside out. That will be invaluable over the course of next season, especially to the younger lads. Already in training he has shown himself to be a leader.

"Luke is highly intelligent and a really good person and he switches on when he enters a rugby field. When he first broke through he became renowned as a defensive player but he has far more about his game than that.

"We can add a lot more to his game as he's never really been coached in an attacking style. Luke plays big minutes and is a great acquisition to our Club."