Leigh sign French forward

Leigh Centurions have confirmed the signing of Catalans Dragons forward Antoni Maria on a two-year contract to the end of November 2018.

The French international will link up with his new club for pre season training once his commitments to Catalans have finished.

Maria, 29, has been a regular in the French international side and represented his country in the 2013 World Cup, playing against Samoa and England.

He has been with the Dragons since 2012 and has scored two tries in 40 first team appearances.

After impressing with Saint-Gaudens in the French Elite Championship, Maria joined Toulouse Olympique during their previous stint in the RFL
Championship.

Between 2009 and 2011 he made 63 appearances, scoring eleven tries before his impressive performances earned him a contract with Catalans.

Leigh Centurions Head Coach Neil Jukes said: “Antoni is a player we have chased for some time now and I am delighted to get his signing over the line.

“He is a big, strong, fast and aggressive middle man who has been playing extremely well this season in a good Catalans side.

“Antoni is a no nonsense forward who plays it tough and has all the qualities you ask for in a middle man. I am excited he is joining our journey and it is very pleasing to add a player of his quality to our squad for next season.

“I am sure he will soon become a fans’ favourite.”