RICHARD Moore is one happy Centurion.

Although he's left a champion side in Bradford Bulls to join Super League newcomers Leigh, the young prop reckons he's made the right move.

At 23 he's regarded as one of the best front row prospects in the country but felt he had to cut his ties with Odsal and link up with the Centurions to kick-start his career.

"No way do I think this is a step backwards. I've joined a team with ambition and potential. Its nice to know youre wanted at last," he said after penning a two-year deal at Hilton Park.

Moore adds: "I am very pleased with this move, it is has come at the right time for me. I have met all the lads and there is a really positive feeling around the club. I am looking forward to getting the season started and being successful with Leigh."

Leigh had to splash the cash in order to land Moore.

The Hilton Park club have paid a reported transfer fee of around £25,000 and more than doubled the salary Moore was on with Bradford Bulls.

But the newly-promoted Centurions reckon he's worth every penny.

Head coach Darren Abram says: "Richard is a big, strong runner who doesn't take a backward step.

"He is a young lad who has bags of potential and even at his young age has gained some valuable experience with two Super League teams. He is welcome addition to our squad and I look forward to seeing him playing for us in Super League."

Keighley-based Moore, 23, has played 27 times for the Bulls and 14 games in a two-stint loan spell with London Broncos. The 6ft 3in, 17st front rower began his early career in the Leeds Rhinos Academy set-up. He was outstanding for England "A" against the Kiwis and toured the Pacific Islands at the end of 2002.

Explaining his decision to release Moore, Bulls coach Brian Noble said: "I'm disappointed to see Richard go."

"I brought him here from Leeds and I think he is a very talented kid. But it got past the stage where we could put him out on loan if he wasn't playing first-team football with us. He is too good a player for that.

"We have five props and sometimes that means if I play three then two miss out. Richard is beyond playing 21s football. To develop he needs to be playing week-in, week-out first team football."

Leigh have also signed another forward from Bradford in the last week.

Nineteen-year-old Matthew Bottoms was released by the Bulls at the end of last season and played for Leigh in the Boxing Day friendly at St Helens where he did enough to persuade the Centurions to sign him.

Leigh need turnstile operators and stewards for next season. Those interested should contact Malcolm Stocks on 01942-743743.