Leigh sign hooker Liam Hood from Swinton on two-year deal

Leigh have signed former Leeds and Salford hooker Liam Hood from Championship rivals Swinton on a two-year contract.

The 24-year-old Scotland international, who has also had spells in the Championship with Dewsbury and Hunslet, was released by Salford at the end of last season and joined Swinton after pulling out of a proposed move to Australia.

"Liam is a good quality, honest player with a burning desire to achieve success with Leigh Centurions," Leigh coach Neil Jukes said.

"He has the pedigree to enhance the current squad and is fighting fit and ready to go."

Hood will provide back-up to captain Micky Higham with the club's other specialist hooker Bob Beswick out with an ankle injury.

Swinton have plugged the gap by signing Bradford hooker Vila Halafihi on loan for the rest of the season.