PROMOTED Leigh Centurions have announced their first batch of signings as the club's preparations for Super League start to gather pace.

The first five to put pen to paper include three newcomers and two current Hilton Park favourites.

With rumours rife that Danny Halliwell was bound for Salford, Leigh have moved quickly and tied the exciting centre down to another deal to stay put.

Also staying for another year is hooker Paul Rowley who is currently recovering from shoulder surgery but should be ready for the start of the new campaign.

Joining them next season will be local lad Rob Jackson who returns to his home town after two years in Super League with London Broncos.

Jackson, a centre or winger, began his playing career at Leigh East before winning honours for Lancashire, NW Counties and England Under 16s. He joined Wigan as a teenager before moving to the capital in 2002.

Another new recruit could prove to be a really shrewd capture. Barrow's Aussie skipper James King comes to Leigh as one of the best prospects outside of Super League.

The 23-year-old second row or prop steered Barrow to the NL2 title this season and such have been his performances, his name has been on the 'must have' list of several Super League club.

But Leigh have been courting King for some time and provided they were promoted were always confident that they would land the powerful runner and strong defender.

The fifth signing is experienced pack man Steve McCurrie who has spent much of his career in Super League with Widnes and previously Warrington.

"We're really excited about the King signing especially. He's an explosive player who leads from the front. We know that other Super League clubs were after him but as soon as he was out of contract at Barrow we made our move. He could surprise few next season," says executive director Derek Beaumont.

"I know that people will say he's only an NL2 player - but they said that about Oli Wilkes last year and look what he's gone on to achieve. We've signed one of the best forwards outside the top flight, make no mistake."

New signings and existing players getting new deals will come thick and fast over the next couple of weeks as Leigh gear up to switch from part-time to full time.

"We've spoken to dozens of players and their agents but we won't be rushed. Each deal we do has got to be right for Leigh. Of course some of the players who helped us into Super League won't be around next year; either through their choice or ours. That's the way it always is at this time of the year," he added.

"We are looking to retain something like 10-12 of last year's squad and compliment them with the best new signings we can come up with."

Leigh have also restructured behind the scenes following Allan Rowley's departure as part-time chief executive. The majority of that role will now be taken by Mike Callaghan who becomes general manager, assisted by Derek Beaumont.

The club will also be advertising for a full time Marketing Manager, stadium and safety officer and club shop manager,

Alex Murphy is to remain at the club but in a vice-president's role which will see him raising the club's profile to prospective sponsors, players and fans.