Leigh Centurions have confirmed the singing of prop Greg Richards with immediate effect from St Helens.

The 21-year-old boasts a wealth of experience at the top level despite his tender years, having featured 70 times for Saints since making his debut in 2013.

Richards also earned some extra game time during short loan spells with Rochdale Hornets and Sheffield Eagles and he will now be firmly in the first-team plans at Leigh Sports Village.

Leigh head coach Neil Jukes believes the youngster can add a lot to his squad as they fight for their Super League status after signing a deal which runs until November 2018.

Jukes told Leigh’s official website: "Greg has been at an elite club for a number of years and played a lot of games. He is going to bring good habits and plenty of experience, even though he has youth on his side.

"Greg has really bought into our vision and what we want to achieve at Leigh Centurions. He sees the opportunities that are in front of us but first of all wants to be part of achieving our goals of maintaining our Super League status.

"Greg will add competition and energy to the middles and he has shown he can do it at the highest level."