LEIGH Centurions have announced that hooker Sean Penkywicz has agreed a full-time playing contract with the club for 2015 with an option to the club of a further year.

The 32-year-old Leigh-born former Leigh East junior joined his hometown club from Halifax after the 2012 season and has been in outstanding form in recent weeks.

He made a total of 88 Super League appearances for Halifax and Huddersfield between 2000 and 2005 and has also represented Wales at international level.

Prior to joining Leigh he was consistently one of the outstanding players in the Championship for Halifax and he went through the 300-game career milestone earlier this season, having passed the 100-tries mark during 2012.

Centurions Head Coach Paul Rowley said: “I originally signed Penky to add an X factor to our team and he has not disappointed.

"I think after twelve months within our system, understanding what is expected from him at our club, he has become not only a game-breaker but a strong defender and a consistently high performer.

"Ultimately that was a key factor in our eagerness to retain Sean at the Centurions."

Head of rugby Derek Beaumont added: “It is great news for the club to secure Penky for next season. He is such a likeable lad and a great talent. He gives us such go-forward and in my opinion is currently enjoying his best form in a Leigh shirt.

“I remember well how he was instrumental in taking us apart in the number seven jersey during our Super League debut whilst representing Huddersfield in 2005. He has always vowed to make that up to me during our light-hearted conversations and I genuinely believe he will.

“He is an experienced nine and has a great relationship with Paul who went hard over a number of years to bring him to the club.

"I am more than confident that Penky will demonstrate he still has a lot to offer the game as a full-time professional player and look forward to seeing that evolve during the season.”