Leigh pull off Thompson coup

Leigh have signed Kiwi forward Bodene Thompson on a two-year deal.

Thompson, 29, has spent the past three seasons with New Zealand Warriors in the NRL, making 58 appearances.

Centurions owner Derek Beaumont and head coach Neil Jukes both paid tribute to the Club’s head of rugby Keiron Cunningham for his role in recruiting Thompson.

Beaumont said: “This is a real quality signing for the Club. I am really excited to have Bodene at our Club. I was a little dubious when Kez said he had landed this one and as time pressed on I had thought it wasn’t going to happen with us being in the Championship.

“But fair play to him, he worked hard to get it over the line and big respect to Bodene for buying into what we are doing. He plays the style of rugby I love to watch and I am really looking forward to meeting him.”

A native of Tauranga, Thompson has also played in the NRL for Gold Coast Titans and Wests Tigers, as well as representing New Zealand Maori.

In 2014, he was an unused member of the New Zealand Four Nations squad.

Jukes added: “Bodene’s signing is a big coup for Leigh Centurions. He has lots of experience and has played for some big NRL clubs. Kez has done a marvellous job to get it over the line.

“Bodene is a hard running, tough tackling edge player which is pretty much everything you want from someone in that position.

“The fans will surely enjoy watching Bodene ply his trade in the great jersey of Leigh Centurions.”