TOMMY Martyn is finally at the club he always wanted to play for.

And he won't be the last big name player to join Leigh Centurions this season.

Coach Paul Terzis has one more significant target in his sights as Leigh prepare for their push towards Super League.

On the day Leigh concluded the deal that brings Martyn 'home', Terzis said: "Without any shadow of doubt our signing of Tommy is the biggest transfer coup ever pulled off by a club outside of Super League.

"We've raised a few eyebrows with this deal and we'll do the same again in about six weeks time when we bring in a player of equal status as Tommy."

Once Martyn had negotiated an immediate release from his St Helens contract Leigh moved swifty and the deal was concluded last Friday.

Martyn joins his hometown club as assistant player/coach but his appearance in the cherry and white will have to wait a few weeks while his broken arm fully heals.

Terzis adds:"Tommy is a quality player who has won everything there is in rugby league. For a club like Leigh to gain a player of Tommy's calibre and experience is a rare thing.

"As my assistant Tommy will provide a new angle for our players to explore in training and also bring to the club that Super League experience both on and off the field, helping the club to achieve its ultimate dream."

While Martyn admitted he was 'gutted' when told he wasn't wanted at Saints he was delighted to move to Leigh to complete the Martyn dynasty.

"My dad and uncle both played for Leigh and it was always a dream of mine to represent my hometown club at some stage of my career," he said. "It hurt knowing that I was no longer wanted by Saints but I was prepared to see out my contract. It was only when Leigh offered me the coaching role as well as playing that I decided to leave as quickly as possible. The option wouldn't have been there in six months' time."

He added: "I'm grateful to Saints for the way they allowed to me to leave early.

"I don't see this as the end of my career, just another beginning. I've only just turned 32 and see myself playing for another couple of years.I've not ended up on the Super League scrapheap, I will play at that level again - only this time with Leigh. That's my dream."

Martyn, due a testimonal after 10 years service with Saints, will now enjoy his benefit year as a Leigh player. "I'm grateful to Leigh that they've allowed me to carry on with my testimonial which starts in August."