Leigh Centurions sign Danny Tickle, agree deal to bring in Antoni Maria

Leigh Centurions have signed back-rower Danny Tickle on a deal to the end of the 2017 season and agreed to sign Antoni Maria from the Catalans Dragons on a two-year deal from next season.

Tickle, 33, who joined Castleford on a short-term deal in April, will make the move to the Championship club with immediate effect on a contract that runs to the end of the 2017 season.

He has made 378 Super League appearances in a 16-year career for Halifax, Wigan, Hull, Widnes and Castleford and will be a timely addition for the Centurions as they prepare for the Super 8s Qualifiers.

Coach Neil Jukes said: "Danny has had a great career and you don't play that number of games or play consistently in good teams without being a good player.

"I have watched every game he's played for Castleford and he has highly impressed me with his work-rate, consistency and hunger.

"He still has a lot of mileage in his legs and to have that experience, talent and desire to achieve things at our disposal at this vital stage of the season is going to be a massive boost for us."

France international second-row Maria has made 36 Super League appearances for the Dragons since his arrival at Perpignan in 2012.

Maria, 29, said: "I would like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to play in Super League. I would also like to thank the coaches I worked with and who helped me to improve. I will never forget the five years I have spent here.

"To finish, I want to thank the fans who continue to give me their support. I have a job to finish and I'll give my best until the end of the season to help the team to reach the goals."

Catalans head coach Laurent Frayssinous said: "We respect his decision to open a new chapter in his career and we wish him all the best in his new challenge.

"We are confident with the potential of all the young players who are coming through at the club for his replacement."