Leigh sign prop Mark Ioane from Championship rivals

Leigh have signed Kiwi prop Mark Ioane from Championship rivals London Broncos.

Ioane, 28, made more than 100 appearances in four years at the Broncos, appearing in the Super League for them last season.

He said: “It’s great to be here and I’m really looking forward to the new season. Leigh Centurions are a club that I know all about.

“They’ve done well in the Championship in recent years and of course were in Super League quite recently.

“Knowing a few familiar faces at Leigh will make the transition easier and I can tell already that this is a good bunch of boys, many of whom I have played against during my career.

“I’m a player who likes to play long minutes and throw the ball around – hopefully I can help take the team forward.”

Born in Auckland, he was a junior at NZ Warriors and Canberra, before making his NRL debut with Gold Coast Titans in 2013.

Leigh coach John Duffy said: “Mark is a player I have always admired. He did really well at London and has been one of their stand-out players over the last few years.

“We were lucky to have the chance to bring him here and he’s raring to go. He’s very excited to be joining Leigh Centurions and he’s a really big signing for us.

“Mark is someone who will be able to get us on the front foot in games and he also has a ruthless streak in his defence.

“He is excited about coming to a club with a big fan base and already knows all about the North Stand; we’re so excited to have him here.”