AS a quantity surveyor student Darnell McIntosh is accustomed to homework.

But Leigh’s latest recruit didn’t have much time to gen-up on his prospective new club.

However, the 26-year-old former England Knight is sufficiently diligent to recognise the benefits of his trans Pennine move from Hull FC.

McIntosh could make his debut in Saturday’s home game against Castleford Tigers (kick-off 5.30pm).

But after last week’s 30-2 demolition of Catalans Dragons, inspired by stand-in full back, Matt Moylan, coach Adrian Lam quipped: “Where do you put him?”

McIntosh was in the final year of his Black and Whites contract but hadn’t agitated for a move.

“I always knew there was a possibility I could end up leaving at the end of the year,” he told Journal Sport.

“But whoever I play for I am fully committed. Even though performances weren’t up to scratch I was a senior player and trying to stay optimistic.

“Leigh were always in my thoughts for next year after a few discussions with my agents. But there was nothing substantial in those conversations.

“However, in the space of 24 hours, it all escalated and I found myself at a really good club.

“I jumped in my car after training to go to Uni (Leeds Beckett University) and a few conversations later, I had to pull over and sort out a lot of things very quickly.

“Leigh have caught everyone’s eye over the last couple of years and what they have been building towards.

“Last week it was all about soaking up everything, being around the group and observing. I could see what they have been working towards.

“It motivates new people coming in like myself to want to add to that.”

McIntosh began his career at Huddersfield and has covered full-back, centre and wing, the latter role playing alongside Leigh centre, Ricky Leutele at Giants.

“It would be hard for me to say where I want to play,” he added. “They (players) put the team first and that’s what I want to do.

“I need to earn the respect of the coach and the players and do the best I can wherever that is.”

Leopards tackle the Tigers eight points off the top six but with a game in hand.

Cas and Salford Red Devils next week represent a great opportunity to climb the table.

Hooker Edwin Ipape could return to the side for the first time since injuring medial knee ligaments against Huddersfield in round one. Prop Robbie Mulhern is also in contention for a comeback.

“It is nice to have a smile on your face instead of being frustrated and heartbroken,” agreed Lam after victory over the Dragons. “Let’s hope this is the start of good times ahead.”

*Charlotte Melvin scored a record 28 points as Leopards’ women posted a landmark 15 try, 84-0 win at Castleford.

Melvin notched a try and kicked 12 goals in the club record score while Hattie Dogus finished with a third hat-trick in four games.

Leopards, who have won all five opening league games, prevailed despite Mairead Quinn, Storm Cobain and Mollie Young absent due to international duty with Ireland.