Centurions confirm Clare capture

Leigh have confirmed the signing of former Bradford winger James Clare on a two-year contract.

Clare has linked up with his new teammates in time for the annual pre season warm weather training camp at Club La Santa in Lanzarote.

Leigh head coach Neil Jukes said: “James is someone we’ve admired and monitored for some while now, especially after his performance in our epic draw at Bradford last year.

“He’s a guy with genuine pace and I know from speaking to many people that he will add to the culture we are looking to enhance again this year.

“James is looking to apply his trade back in Super League. He buys into our vision and we were happy to give him that opportunity.

“He comes in perfect time, ready for our warm weather training camp at La Santa where he will spend much quality time and get to know the rest of his teammates.

“We’re confident that on the back of hard work and the support from the staff he will add genuine value to our squad for at least the next two years.”

Clare, 25, came up through the ranks of his hometown club Castleford after graduating from Lock Lane and in 2010 was the Tigers’ Under-20s Player of the Year.

He made his Super League debut for the Tigers against Huddersfield Giants in March 2012 and went on to score 24 tries in 38 games for the club before a mid season move to Bradford in 2015.

He scored 21 tries in 30 games for the Bulls, including three tries against Leigh during the 2016 campaign, two of them in the space of three minutes in the 32-32 draw at Odsal last February.

With additional dual registration experience at Doncaster and York City Knights his career tally of 55 tries has come in only 79 senior games.