Sunday 25 September 2016 22:41, UK
Leigh have signed former Australia second rower Glenn Stewart following his departure from Catalans Dragons.
The 32-year-old - a veteran of four NRL Grand Finals and five State of Origin appearances - has signed a two-year contract with the newly-promoted Centurions.
Catalans this month agreed to release Stewart from the final two years of his deal after his son found it difficult adapting to France, and Leigh owner Derek Beaumont says his arrival marks "another level" in the club's development.
He said: "This is a massive signing for our club. In order to be a top Super League side we have to be able to attract the top players and this is evidence of not only our intent but our ability to do that.
"Glenn's addition takes us to another level on and off the field and will make attracting other top players more possible."
Stewart said: "I have loved my time in France. The Dragons have been really good to me and my family but my son, in
particular, needed a bit of help with the language barrier and as regards his schooling he needs to be in a country where English is the primary language.
"But I am not coming over for a holiday. It was an awesome achievement for Leigh to get into Super League and they are not going in there just to compete.
"I want to play my best footy, achieve things with the team and repay Derek for the faith he has shown in me. It's a big one for me and I can't wait to get started."
Leigh secured a spot in next year's Super League with victory over Huddersfield earlier this month.
