Hood leaves for Leigh

Swinton hooker Liam Hood has joined Leigh Centurions on a two-year deal.

Swinton claim that Hood has activated a clause in his contract that allows him to take up a full-time professional deal. Hood has previously played for Leeds and Salford in Super League.

Leigh Centurions Head Coach Neil Jukes said: “Liam is a good quality, honest player with a burning desire to achieve success with Leigh Centurions. He has the pedigree to enhance the current squad and is fighting fit and ready to go.

“He’s a good kid, a tough competitor who is in good nick, having played long minutes for Swinton. I’d like to thank Swinton for not standing in his way when the chance came for him to go full-time again. They’ve done the right thing by the player and should be commended for that.

“When I spoke to Liam his excitement at the chance of coming to the Club came across in bucket loads. He’s seen the facilities, seen the potential, seen the quality of players we have in the squad, seen the team spirit we have.

“He comes from good stock and has been in some good environments. He has a lot of experience and is a tough kid defensively. I like what he brings to the group and am looking forward to working with him.

“He gives us strength in a position we’ve been struggling in with Bob Beswick’s ankle injury. Lewis Foster is a great young kid and Micky Higham has been playing with injections and Liam’s arrival strengthens a key area.”

Leigh Centurions owner Derek Beaumont said: “I have said all along I will react as necessary to situations that arise to give us the best possible chance of achieving our goals and the addition of Liam is testament to that. He is another proven Super League player coming into the squad.

“Having met him with Neil and his agent Karl Harrison I was only too pleased to yet again support Neil’s vision for the squad with my money. Liam is a pacy player and I am looking forward to seeing him in action.”