PAPUA New Guinea star Nene Macdonald hasn’t taken long to settle in at Leigh much to the delight of Centurions’ Head of Rugby Chris Chester.

The former NRL star enjoyed his first full training sessions with his new team mates at the start of the week.

And Macdonald, whose five Australian clubs include Sydney Roosters, Gold Coast Titans and St George Illawarra, wasted little time impressing

“Nene looks an unbelievable athlete,” said Chester. “He has certainly impressed me in the first couple of days training.

“It is exciting we have managed to bring someone of his quality to the club. He is 6’4, 105 kg and athletic with it.

“He is going to be a great kick target, not just because of his size but the way he leaps in the air. The players outside will be expecting to score plenty of tries.”

Chester and head coach Adrian Lam hope to add another three or four players to the squad before Leigh’s opening Betfred Championship game at home to Whitehaven on January 29.

“It’s been really refreshing what I have seen so far,” enthused Chester, “We are not getting ahead of ourselves, but I am expecting good things from this group of players.”

One player looking to secure a deal is ex London Broncos and Hull KR winger Kieran Dixon who ended last season at York City Knights.

As reported by the Journal last month Dixon, who has been training at Sale Sharks, is on trial with Centurions and looking to catch the eye.

“Kieran has got an opportunity,” confirmed Chester who worked with the goal kicking speedster at KR.

“He has not had a break and wanted to prove himself and have another crack at full-time training.

“So far, he has fitted in very well. He has led the fitness in terms of testing. And is in the top five percent in the gym sessions for his size.

“Adrian will have a decision to make on which way we go with him. But I have had a discussion with him this week and the ball is really in his court.

“He needs to keep working hard and by doing that and impressing in training it gives him an opportunity to get a contract.”

Dixon is almost certain to get a chance to play when Leigh face champions St Helens in Alex Walmsley’s testimonial on Friday January 21.

“I have never been a big fan of friendlies as in the past I have had plenty of injuries in pre-season,” added Chester.

“Our focus is the start of the league season against Whitehaven. But it will be a good test and challenge for us eight days out from that. To give some players some game time definitely will be a positive.”