VASTLY-experienced Australian half-back Jason Ferris and Samoan second rower Mark Leafa have become Leigh Centurions seventh and eighth new recruits for Super League X.

Ferris, aged 29, is a tried a tested scrum-half with over 150 first grade games under his belt with Canberra, Cronulla, North Queensland and Manly. He has signed a one-year deal with the Centurions.

Ferris turned down both Widnes and Salford last year and in the past Australian season has been captain-coach of the Wollongong Collegiate side after taking a year-long break from the professional game. But he is now ready and raring to guide Leigh through their first-ever season in the elite division.

Head coach Darren Abram is delighted to have landed such an experienced player. He said: "Jason is a very organised half back, has an excellent kicking game and is strong in defence. He is a very enthusiastic player and will be a great asset for the club."

Abram adds: "He did have offers to play in Super League last year with Salford and Widnes but turned them down because his wife had just given birth to their child. He is now ready for the challenge of Super League and his family are looking forward to moving over to the Leigh."

The player himself says: "I am very excited about joining the Centurions. I have spoken to Darren and feel that there is something special at Leigh that I want to be part of that. I am looking forward along with my family to moving to the UK."

Leafa, aged 24, has first grade experience in Australia with Canterbury Bulldogs and more latterly with South Sydney.

Leigh have also re-signed two more of last season's key players, John Duffy and Matt Sturm, and are still in negotiation with several others.

Two of last season's squad have already got themselves fixed up with new clubs. Winger Damien Munro has opted to remain part-time in NL1 and has joined hometown club Oldham while centre Dan Potter has stepped down a division to join his hometown club, York City Knights.

Popular prop Simon Knox is not becoming a full time player and is talking to Barrow while Heath Cruckshank is being linked with Dewsbury Rams.