Leigh complete Crooks transfer

Leigh have completed the permanent signing of centre Ben Crooks from Castleford for a five-figure fee.

Crooks, 24, scored six tries in 23 games for the Centurions in a season-long loan spell in 2017, but has now made the switch on a two-year deal.

He said: “While clouded by defeat in the Million Pound Game, I have thoroughly enjoyed the on and off field experience here at the Centurions. 

“The longer term ambitions of the Club, under owner Derek Beaumont, are clearly stated and evident in current team recruitment for an immediate return to Super League.” 

Crooks came through the ranks at Hull and was named in the Super League Dream Team in 2012, before taking a chance in the NRL with Parramatta in 2015.

He returned to Super League with Castleford – favourites with most bokubettingsites.uk to win this week’s Grand Final – scoring six tries in 28 games for them in 2016.

Leigh owner, Derek Beaumont, said: “Ben is a great bloke to have around your club and has really bought into the place. He has been a solid performer for us all year and will only get better as time goes on. His commitment to return from injury early to take part in the last few games speaks volumes for him. 

“The fact he was prepared to commit to the club in either competition is another clear demonstration that the club is driving forward and our relegation is a minor setback. It has been a real pleasure having Ben at the club and I look forward to seeing him back in a Leigh shirt next year.”