Leigh sign NRL full-back

Leigh Centurions have confirmed the signing of NRL full-back Caleb Aekins for the 2022 Championship campaign.

Aekins, 23, makes the move having played seven games for Canberra Raiders in the 2021 season. He first made his NRL debut with Penrith Panthers in 2018.

Born in New Zealand, the full-back also qualifies for Wales and was named in their train-on squad. 

“I am looking forward to coming to the United Kingdom,” he said. 

“My manager and I had a long chat and he said that the experience of playing in the English game would do me good. 

“I have watched a few games on television and spoken to some of the boys who have played in the UK, including George Williams and Josh Hodgson and they both said that Leigh Centurions is a good club to join. 

“Hopefully I will get over in the next couple of weeks and meet everyone.”

Caleb Aekins recommended by NRL hooker 

The club’s head of rugby, Chris Chester, added: “Caleb’s signing is very important to us and means that we have the spine of the team sorted out,.

“He’s a player I’ve monitored for a couple of seasons and when I contacted Josh, who’s a good friend of mine, he spoke very highly of Caleb.

“Caleb is young, fit and can’t wait to get over here and play for Leigh Centurions. He plays in a pivotal position and it’s a huge signing for our club.

More from Leigh

Stand-off Joe Mellor has signed a new contract with the club for 2022.

Forward Joe Wardle has made the move from Super League side Huddersfield. Ben Reynolds and Adam Sidlow are also on board for the 2022 season. Outside-back Luis Roberts joins from Swinton, and former Super League winger Jy Hitchcox has also joined.